ACCC announces recalls of unsafe ladders

Published

21 Dec 2012

The ACCC has negotiated recalls with two suppliers of multipurpose ladders in Australia after testing found the ladders failed to perform as they claimed.

“These ladders had clear claims that they met an Australian Standard. Testing commissioned by the ACCC found that they failed to meet a key safety related test. The ladders were removed from sale after the ACCC immediately contacted the suppliers,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

“Further testing has also been carried out by the suppliers and the results confirm the ladders do not meet Australian standards, as claimed. The ACCC has worked with the suppliers who have recalled the affected products.”

The ladders that have been recalled are:

Auspac Sources Pty Ltd—Multi-Purpose Adjustable Multiple Configuration Folding Step Ladder supplied online by Crazysales.com.au
DSG Holdings Australia Pty Ltd—Multi-Fold Aluminium Ladder 8.5ft / 2.6m supplied by Sam's Warehouse, Crazy Clark's, Go-Lo and Chickenfeed

“The ACCC’s concern is that the ladders would not bear the load as represented to consumers and they had the potential to break or collapse under use. If you have purchased one of these ladders, please cease use immediately and return it to the point of sale for a full refund,” Ms Rickard said.

“The ACCC is putting all suppliers of multipurpose ladders on notice to ensure the ladders they supply perform as claimed. This includes having up-to-date test reports for the batches of ladders that they are currently offering for sale.”

“Recent overseas recalls and reports of injury associated with the failure of multipurpose ladders raised the ACCC’s awareness to potential safety concerns with these products. We then obtained a number of ladders from online sales and bricks and mortar stores for testing,” she said.

Although there are a number of deaths and serious injuries associated with ladder use each year, ACCC analysis suggests that the majority of these are caused by accidental falls rather than ladder failure.

“That’s why the ACCC is urging people to take care when using ladders, including checking the ladder is in good working order before every use, only using the ladder on firm, flat ground and wearing well fitting, non-slip footwear when climbing a ladder.

“Never stand on the very top rung of the ladder, and never try to stretch to reach something. It’s better to get down and move the ladder – even if it means the job takes a little longer” Ms Rickard said.

Between 2000 and 2012, at least 53 people died in incidents in Australia involving ladders. Thousands more were seriously injured and required treatment in hospital. Based on injury data, men aged over 50 are most at risk.

“Using ladders entails serious risks as it is and suppliers of goods need to ensure that any representations they make are truthful. Consumers’ safety may depend on the accuracy of claims about a product’s performance and with ladders this is critical.”

The ACCC tips for safe ladder use are available on the Product Safety Australia website, www.productsafety.gov.au and consumer product recalls are available on www.recalls.gov.au

For more information about product safety visit the website, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ACCCProdSafety or call the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502.

You can also find product safety information via the ACCC's Product Safety Facebook Page and YouTube channel, ACCC Product Safety.