Why You Should Avoid Buying Substandard Telescopic Ladders Online

Telescopic ladders have become popular for their convenience and space-saving design, but buying a cheap or substandard version online can be a serious safety risk. Many low-cost ladders sold on unverified platforms fail to meet essential safety standards, meaning they may not support the advertised weight or lock securely in place. This can lead to sudden collapses or instability during use, putting you at risk of falls and injuries.

Another major concern is the lack of quality control. Reputable brands invest in rigorous testing and certification, while counterfeit or poorly made ladders often cut corners on materials and construction. Thin aluminum, weak locking mechanisms, and poor welds are common in substandard models. These flaws aren’t always visible in product photos, making it hard to judge quality before purchase.

Buying from unreliable sources also means limited or no warranty and poor after-sales support. If the ladder fails or arrives damaged, you may have no recourse for refunds or replacements. Trusted retailers and manufacturers provide guarantees and comply with safety regulations, giving you peace of mind that your ladder is built to last and safe to use.

Ultimately, a telescopic ladder is an investment in your safety. Spending a little more on a certified, high-quality product from a reputable seller ensures durability, stability, and compliance with safety standards. When it comes to working at height, cutting costs can lead to costly accidents—so choose wisely and avoid the risks of substandard ladders.

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Work related mental ill-health, mainly stress, is the single largest cause of illness at work yet is rarely treated in the same way as many workplace issues.

Using a new chemical?  Complete a COSHH assessment.  Using a computer at work?  Conduct a DSE Assessment.  Got a stress at work problem?  Many companies are still unaware of the legal requirement to carry out a Stress Risk Assessment or are avoiding doing so.  The reality is that happier employees are more effective, so it is in the interests of all parties that this solvable problem is tackled rather than ignored.

Arco Professional Safety Services share key elements from their ‘Stress and Mental Wellbeing Course’ which can help managers acquire the knowledge and confidence to manage mental wellbeing and support their teams more effectively, both proactively and reactively whether issues are caused by work or outside factors.

Move to a Proactive Culture.  Promoting wellbeing as a state to be talked about, worked towards and actively encouraged reduces negative stigma around the phrase ‘mental health’ and proactively talking about stress is one of the best ways to begin tackling it.  Managers are ideally placed to help handle employee stress as they have a greater understanding of the people in their team, their roles and the workplace stress risk factors they face.

Clarify Available Resources.  Popularising stress and mental wellbeing resources such as Stress Risk Assessments (SRA’s) and Wellness Action Plans (WAP’s) and making them easily accessible through company intranet links and proactive conversations increases awareness and the likelihood they will be utilised.

Hazard Spot.  As with traditional health and safety hazards, identifying and managing issues that are likely to cause stress before they become problematic and intervening immediately where stress or mental ill-health is identified will be more cost effective, better for the individual, team, business and manager compared with ignoring the problem or leaving it too late.

Work or Personal Cause?  Establishing whether the cause of stress is related to work, home or a combination of both is a vital first step and one that can build trust between person and manager and lead to the early identification of solutions.

Absence.  When a person is absent due to mental ill-health, agree on a method and frequency of contact, and what they are comfortable speaking about including what should be kept confidential, then actively engage with the person as agreed.  The sooner we engage and make the person feel visible, valuable, connected and supported, the speedier the return to work is likely to be.

Support. Support. Support.  Avoid giving advice.  Colleagues need to feel that they are being taken seriously, are listened to and supported.  Managers shouldn’t assume that they know how their employees feel; instead, they should ask how they feel.  If managers do not feel able to speak with their employees, it is important that they find someone who can, such as a mental health first aider, wellbeing champion or another person who can relate to the individual.

Stress Risk Assessments (SRA).  Carrying out SRA’s based on the HSE Stress Management Standards to establish and resolve the causes of stress in the workplace is vital.  If a person’s stress is work-related then it needs to be addressed at work and the causes tackled together at work rather than referring them elsewhere.  Even if the person’s stress is not work-related, it is worth conducting an SRA to establish how the following factors may impact upon the person and whether adjustments may be required.  The six key factors to assess in an SRA are:

• Demands; workload and what the person is having to deal with at work.
• Support; high demand needs high support.
• Role; is the role a demanding role; is the person suited to the role?
• Relationships; how they are getting on with peers, management etc.
• Control; do they feel in control of their working day?
• Change; how is the business managing changes and how are they coping with them?

Reasonable Adjustments.  Once the causes of stress are established, reasonable adjustments can be made.  Adjustments may be temporary until the person feels they can cope or permanent if the demands of the role are clearly unsustainable.  Like a regular Risk Assessment, they key is to identify the risks and establish what can be done to remove, reduce or control them.

Phased Returns.  Phased returns may involve shorter hours, removal and gradual re-introduction of job-role elements.  Providing mentors and checking-in regularly (versus checking-up) can all help to prevent relapse and increase the likelihood of a faster and full recovery.  The persons relationship with their manager is a key factor in the speed of return.

Wellness Action Plans (WAP).  Whether work-related or not, encouraging employees to complete a WAP can help promote wellness in already healthy employees and help those suffering or returning from a mental ill-health absence by looking at many aspects of the persons situation and how wellness can be sustained or how they can be supported back towards wellness during difficult times.

Coaching for Personal causes.  For non-work-related stress, managers can use a coaching approach.  Coaching identifies personal recovery aims, realistic behavioural options and encouraging practical steps to act and move towards recovery.   Helping employees identify what is causing their stress, why it is stressful to them, how they can tackle it and where they can go for help and support is key. 

The Bio-Psycho-Social Model (BPS).  This important model recognises the biological, psychological and social aspects in the onset of mental ill-health issues and in the move back towards wellness.  Unhelpful behaviours in the three areas are identified and the person coached or encouraged to move towards more helpful behaviours.  The question: “Is what the person is doing biologically, psychologically and socially……helpful or not?”

Biological:  Diet, hydration, drugs and stimulants, medications, exercise, sleep and relaxation.

Psychological:  “What is the person believing and saying about themselves, other people and the world?”

Social:  “How are their relationships and interactions with other people?”

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP).   EAP’s offer a wide range of support aimed at providing practical help to an individual, including common mental health issues, bereavement, financial concerns and many more challenges people face in their day to day lives.  Other support includes Human Resource assistance, Mental Health First Aiders, Wellbeing champions, useful websites, helplines and support groups.

Mental Health First Aiders (M.H.F.Aiders).  M.H.F.Aiders can provide temporary support to struggling individuals and where necessary signpost them to sources of help and support.  It is important that they are not viewed as counsellors or provided to avoid fixing the real sources of stress in the workplace.

Anxiety and Depression.  When stress is repeated or prolonged it can cause anxiety and depression which are mental illnesses requiring diagnosis by a mental health professional.  While medications are a key factor in many people’s recovery, a combination of biological improvements, psychologically healthier beliefs and internal language combined with better social interactions are likely to be more effective than the sole prescription of anti-depressants for example in the treatment of anxiety or depression.  It is therefore important to ensure employees are receiving tailored care appropriate to their lives and personal situation.  What is helpful in an individual’s recovery, is unique to that individual.

With the right support in place, positive mental health and wellbeing can be regained and sustained.  Arco Professional Safety Services offer several courses to help clients develop a comprehensive approach towards Stress and Mental Wellbeing including;

• Stress and Mental Wellbeing for Managers
• Mental Wellbeing Awareness for Employees
• MHFAider training.

In April, colleagues from Arco Professional Safety Services took part in the world-class Rescue Great Day competition in Seville.

Staged across several regional locations, including the iconic Minilla Dam and Isla Mágica Theme Park, the event brings together elite rope rescue teams from around the world. This year, 41 emergency response teams competed in a series of complex rescue tests.

Ready for anything

Representing Arco, a team of highly skilled professionals from Safety Centre made an inaugural visit to the contest. Alongside Pete Hancock (Team Leader), Rob Messenger, Ian Moss, Nat Smart, Chris Fricker, and Jack Ball also put their teamwork and technical expertise to the test.

One of the unique aspects of Rescue Great Day is that the specific rescue scenarios are kept under wraps until the event days. That meant the team had to train diligently over the past 12 months – building a strong, adaptable skill set.

Raising international standards

Despite being its first appearance on the international stage, the team from Arco Professional Safety Services placed 22^nd overall – a superb achievement against some of the world’s elite rescue team

In addition, Rescue Great Day is an excellent opportunity for international collaboration, sharing knowledge, and elevating rescue standards. It’s a collective effort that contributes to more effective emergency responses globally.

Check out our video with full highlights from the competition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeQiV_I-6Bg

In April, colleagues from Arco Professional Safety Services took part in the world-class Rescue Great Day competition in Seville.

Staged across several regional locations, including the iconic Minilla Dam and Isla Mágica Theme Park, the event brings together elite rope rescue teams from around the world. This year, 41 emergency response teams competed in a series of complex rescue tests.

Ready for anything

Representing Arco, a team of highly skilled professionals from Safety Centre made an inaugural visit to the contest. Alongside Pete Hancock (Team Leader), Rob Messenger, Ian Moss, Nat Smart, Chris Fricker, and Jack Ball also put their teamwork and technical expertise to the test.

One of the unique aspects of Rescue Great Day is that the specific rescue scenarios are kept under wraps until the event days. That meant the team had to train diligently over the past 12 months – building a strong, adaptable skill set.

Raising international standards

Despite being its first appearance on the international stage, the team from Arco Professional Safety Services placed 22^nd overall – a superb achievement against some of the world’s elite rescue teams.

In addition, Rescue Great Day is an excellent opportunity for international collaboration, sharing knowledge, and elevating rescue standards. It’s a collective effort that contributes to more effective emergency responses globally.

Check out our video with full highlights from the competition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeQiV_I-6Bg

Arco, the UK and Ireland’s leading safety expert, opens its doors on a cutting-edge Customer Discovery Centre, marking a bold investment designed to transform customer experience and drive industry innovation.

This state-of-the-art facility brings together product expertise, advanced safety training, and industry collaboration under one roof. Designed to engage with customers and suppliers, the Discovery Centre showcases Arco’s integrated safety solutions featuring its independent UKAS and SATRA accredited Product Assurance Lab with a dedicated space for product innovation.

As part of this investment, Arco has also expanded its training offering with a brand-new practical training facility, broadening its national coverage of training centres for workers in the highest risk industries. Specialising in confined space and working at height ‘hands-on’ training alongside a multitude of classroom-based courses, this Safety Services centre of excellence increases accessibility to critical safety education.

With three flexible learning spaces, innovative displays, and cutting-edge technology, the Discovery Centre is designed to adapt to the needs of customers and colleagues alike, making it a premier destination for training, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.

Now operational, customers can explore the latest advancements in safety, PPE and workwear, undertake training courses and receive expert guidance on product selection and development under one roof. Find out more here.

CEO of Arco, Guy Bruce said: “We’re thrilled to open our new state of the art Customer Discovery Centre. It’s our way of giving customers fresh inspiration and ultimate safety confidence day in day out.

“By investing in world-class facilities and smarter ways to engage with our customers, this is more than an upgrade to our services, it’s a strategic shift in how our customers interact with Arco and how our safety solutions are developed, shared, and experienced. The future of safety is here, and this immersive space truly demonstrates the value available to all customers when they have the best in the safety business at their side. We’re looking forward to hosting our customers and partners here for years to come.”

About Arco: 

As an Expert Safety Partner, Arco has 140 years of experience, delivered through a team with an unparalleled combination of specialist expertise and knowledge. Arco is the only safety partner to deliver Joined-up Safety Solutions, a strategic end-to-end approach across the hierarchy of control, helping its customers get the right equipment and training to effectively manage risk.

Arco’s Product Assurance process ensures compliance through quality, with the provision of high-quality products and services specified and tested by leading safety experts.

Founded in 1884, Arco employs more than 1,500 people nationwide, delivering products and services through its 400,000 sq ft National Distribution Centre and network of safety centres and stores, as well as providing consultancy, training and services to manage the most hazardous workplace scenarios, including working at height, confined space and respiratory management, through its dedicated safety services team, Arco Professional Safety Services.

Arco is committed to taking action for a safer tomorrow and its sustainability strategy, A Safe Tomorrow, is embedded across the business, ensuring social and sustainable benefits for businesses, people and the planet. For its customers, Arco operates a ‘Responsible Choice’ system, which educates customers on the sustainability of individual products, including biodegradability, recycled materials and eco-qualifications. The business has also recently invested time and resources to expand recycling and reduce the use of plastic in its operations.

For more information, visit www.arco.co.uk

Arco, the UK’s leading safety expert, is returning to the Health & Safety Event to unveil a new generation of workwear and safety products designed with enhanced features, fabrics and modern styling.

Arco’s interactive exhibition can be found on Stand S70 in Hall 3 and is designed for visitors to explore Arco’s latest product innovations, training support, expert advice, compliance and sustainability initiatives. All areas on the stand demonstrate Arco’s unrivalled end-to-end safety expertise, its market-leading position and commitment to shaping the future of workwear and workplace safety.

Also featured at the event will be an exclusive preview of the brand-new Arco Discovery Centre, a state-of-the-art showcase of Arco’s cutting-edge safety services, immersive training courses and innovative partnerships.

Part of Arco’s new product generation, which will be exclusively on display, includes its brand-new High-Visibility Range, designed for maximum durability and compliance in line with the latest industry standards, as well as an advanced Working at Height Range, featuring cutting-edge harnesses and fall protection equipment. The latest evolution of the TROJAN performance workwear range, incorporating enhanced protective materials and innovatively styled designs that improve comfort and functionality in work environments, will also be put to the test with a dynamic, live show that visitors will see around the exhibition hall.

This year, Arco will be sponsoring the ‘Inspiration Station’, a new thought leadership driven platform where industry pioneers will address the future of the health and safety industry. Arco experts will take the stage to discuss pivotal topics including:

·        The Total Cost of Safety – exploring how effective safety management protects profits and derisks businesses

·        PPE sustainability and practical steps in procurement – comprehensive look at improving circularity and sustainability whilst reducing costs in procurement

·        Thai Cave Rescue – First-hand experience from the famous Thai Cave Rescue, detailing the risk management involved in the successful rescue of 13 people trapped in the Tham Luang Nang Non cave system

The Total Cost of Safety presentation at the Inspiration Station will be delivered by Chief Commercial Officer Simon Allan-Brooks and will encourage businesses to revisit health and safety strategies at work. Business leaders will hear of the benefits in comprehensive safety management, including meeting deadlines, enhancing reputation and maximising productivity.

Ahead of the event, Arco has been shortlisted in three categories for the upcoming 2025 Safety and Health Excellence Awards. Arco is nominated for: Distributor of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year and the Alan McArthur Unsung Hero Award. As the inaugural sponsor of the Sustainable Company of the Year award in 2024, Arco returns to sponsor and judge this important category in 2025. The winners will be announced during the award ceremony that will take place on the second night of the three-day Health & Safety Event.

Simon Allan-Brooks, Chief Commercial Officer at Arco, said:

“Last year, Arco returned to the Health & Safety Event to showcase our joined-up approach to safety. We connected with professionals from Directors to Procurement Officers in all key industries such as manufacturing, construction and facilities management.

This year, we’re taking it a step further by unveiling the latest developments within Arco’s product innovation alongside our full suite of safety services. Our continued progress in developing our expertise and expanding our product offering places us in a position to provide more comprehensive end-to-end solutions as a key strategic partner to our customers.

“Our commitment to workplace safety has never been stronger, and we’re excited to share our latest advancements with the industry. We invite all attendees to visit our stand, connect with our experts and join us in shaping the future of health and safety.”

1.      A digitally designed representation of Arco’s interactive exhibition

About Arco

As an Expert Safety Partner, Arco has 140 years of experience, delivered through a team with an unparalleled combination of specialist expertise and knowledge. Arco is the only safety partner to deliver Joined-up Safety Solutions, a strategic end-to-end approach across the hierarchy of control, helping its customers get the right equipment and training to effectively manage risk

Arco’s Product Assurance process ensures compliance through quality, with the provision of high-quality products and services specified and tested by leading safety experts.

Founded in 1884, Arco employs more than 1,500 people nationwide, delivering products and services through its 400,000 sq ft National Distribution Centre and network of safety centres and stores, as well as providing consultancy, training and services to manage the most hazardous workplace scenarios, including working at height, confined space and respiratory management, through its dedicated safety services team, Arco Professional Safety Services.

Arco is committed to taking action for a safer tomorrow and its sustainability strategy, A Safe Tomorrow, is embedded across the business, ensuring social and sustainable benefits for businesses, people and the planet. For its customers, Arco operates a ‘Responsible Choice’ system, which educates customers on the sustainability of individual products, including biodegradability, recycled materials and eco-qualifications. The business has also recently invested time and resources to expand recycling and reduce the use of plastic in its operations.

For more information, visit www.arco.co.uk

Europe wide alert for the:

Product recall alert forPETZL Fall protection/anchor device for climbing – 10 centimetre ice screw

Product category

Protective equipment

Product

Ice anchor

Name

Laser speed 10 cm

Brand

Petzl

Barcode

3342540832695

Product description

Products were found and measures were taken also in

Ireland
Slovenia
United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland

Working at height specialists from Arco Professional Safety Services have provided expert safety support for the return of classic ITV game show You Bet!

The reboot of the show, presented by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, features members of the public showing off their extraordinary skills, with celebrity panellists betting on whether each contestant can complete their chosen challenge.

The first episode, which aired on Saturday night on ITV1, featured a “Climber vs Car” challenge, with gym instructor Mila Stanzani scaling the exterior wall of a multi-storey car park while professional driver Michelle Westby raced her to the top and back down again.

Arco’s team of working at height experts, led by Mike Clayton, were on hand at the new Shinfield Studios in Reading to help ensure the safety of everyone involved in the challenge.

The team provided advice to production company Rollercoaster Television on making the climb safe, provided the necessary safety equipment, assisted with protecting a camera operator and managed Mila’s climbing rope to ensure her safety during the challenge.

Mike Clayton, technical lead (working at height) at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: “It was an amazing experience for the team to be involved in this challenge for the reboot of You Bet!

“Throughout the years, we’ve been trusted to carry out working at height training and supervision for some thrilling and critical projects, but this was one of the most exciting we have been a part of in recent times. Mila took to the task with a great amount of confidence and the team at ITV were great to work with.”

Sarah Boyce, Head of Production for Rollercoaster, said: “In the early planning stages it was clear we needed experts in working at heights. Arco, being an ITV vetted contractor, were immediately recommended by our inhouse health and safety team.

“They went on to provide expert climbing knowledge and clear advice on how to make this challenge work. They quickly proved to us – and Mila – that they could be relied on 100% and were a big part of the success of this spectacular challenge.”

To find out if Mila won her challenge, watch Episode 1 of You Bet! on demand on ITVX.

Find out more about Arco’s expert working at height services

Arco, the UK and Ireland’s leading safety expert, has reduced its carbon emissions by 21.2 per cent in a single year, its biggest annual decrease to date.

The reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions substantially outperformed Arco’s 5.5 per cent target, and is a significant step towards the company’s goal of net zero emissions by 2045.

The record carbon reduction is one of several significant achievements highlighted in Arco’s 2024 Sustainability Report, released today.

The 2024 report shows considerable progress in the company’s sustainability strategy, A Safe Tomorrow, which sets out Arco’s aims to have a positive impact on people and the planet, while helping customers meet their own sustainability goals

Initiatives such as the installation of solar panels on Arco buildings have helped the company reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and cut its carbon footprint over the past year.

Focusing on efficient use of water in its global operations has also seen Arco reduce its water use by 22.6 per cent.

In 2025, Arco will take this commitment to carbon reduction further by setting science-based targets in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), including for Scope 3 emissions related to manufacturing, transportation and end-of-life product management.

Responsible Choice

Importantly, Arco reduced carbon and water use while increasing sales of its Responsible Choice ranges of PPE and workwear by 200 per cent. These products feature verifiable sustainability claims or independent certifications, making it easier for businesses to buy more responsible products. 

Arco also hit its annual target for use of “Better Textiles”. These more sustainable textiles made up 10 per cent of Arco’s total textile sales in FY24, and the company aims to increase this to 17.5 per cent by 2025, aligned with The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) Textiles 2030 initiative.

Circularity and digital innovation

Working with customers and stakeholders, Arco is driving product circularity, developing closed-loop systems, expanding recycling and take-back schemes and providing garment life-extension services, such as laundry and repair.

The company has also invested in its digital capabilities to improve sustainability, utilising data-driven insights and embedding traceability and transparency in its Responsible hi-vis and workwear ranges.

Less waste and packaging

Arco has continued to reduce packaging and waste, removing single-use plastics and moving to more plain cardboard packaging. In FY24, the company recycled about 90 per cent of cardboard, plastic, clothing and building waste produced at its premises.

Commitment to communities

Activity such as volunteering and other support for charities saw Arco generate £39.3 million of social value in FY24, including £4 million in Hull and East Yorkshire. The company has continued to support long-standing partners such as Macmillan Cancer Support and in May 2024 launched a new partnership with The Mental Health Foundation.

Guy Bruce, chief executive officer at Arco, said: “At Arco, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From the energy powering our buildings, to the materials that make up our products, to the way we work with our suppliers, we’re always thinking of new ways to help secure a safer tomorrow.

“As Experts in Safety, Arco’s core purpose has always been to keep people safe at work. And with a clear commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, we truly believe we can help secure a safer tomorrow for people, businesses and the planet.”

Download the Arco Sustainability Report 2024 and read more at arco.co.uk/sustainability

Arco Professional Safety Services is installing two new training towers at its safety centre in Manchester, allowing people in the area to access a wider range of training courses in working at height.

Work is under way on the construction of the two towers, one internal and one external, which together with other new working at height systems, will enable the Trafford Park Safety Centre to deliver additional professional training courses, including:

• MATS: Basic Tower Climber and Rescue
• PASMA: Mobile Access Scaffold Towers
• IRATA: Industrial Rope Access

The centre’s training rooms will also be refurbished to accommodate more health and safety courses, including first aid, fire marshal and IOSH training.

Jamie Sadler, commercial director at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: “Since opening in January 2022, our Trafford Park Safety Centre has been highly praised by customers, offering a one-stop solution for all their safety needs.

“Building on this success, we’re expanding our training facilities to offer an even wider range of courses, which our customers have been asking us for.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the improved safety centre in the new year.”

The Trafford Park Safety Centre provides purpose-built training facilities for courses in working at height and in confined spaces, as well as health and safety training, alongside a retail store for Arco’s range of PPE, workwear and other safety products.

The upgrades to the internal training area are set to be completed by the end of January 2025, followed by the external tower enhancements. The additional courses will be available to book soon after at www.arcoservices.co.uk/training/