It is promoting a 'ladder exchange' over the next 12 weeks, where businesses will be able to have their ladders checked and trade them in for safer models at discounted prices.

The HSE estimates there are 4,000 unsafe ladders being used in the UK. Almost 100 people fall off a ladder at work each month, costing the economy £60 million annually, the HSE says.

An HSE spokeswoman said:

"In 2005/06 a total of 46 workers died and a further 3351 employees suffered major injuries as a result of a fall from height in the workplace.

"There is still a lot of poor standard equipment out there and we will do everything it takes to educate people and get rid of 'dodgy' ladders from workplaces. Simple precautions can save lives and help prevent injuries."