Werner launches ‘Choose Life’ campaign to tackle ladder falls among trade professionals
Posted by: electime 26th March 2026
Justin White, Managing Director of Werner UK
Werner, the leading manufacturer of ladders and access equipment, is calling on trade professionals across the UK to put safety first this Spring with the launch of its ‘April Falls Month’ campaign, a nationwide initiative to promote safer practices when working at height.
The campaign comes at a critical time for workplace safety, with falls from height remaining the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK, according to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). The latest stats show that 35 workers lost their lives due to falls from height in 2024/25, accounting for 28% of all workplace deaths.
With working at height, a routine aspect of life for most professional trade workers, Werner says the statistics highlight the need for continued education, training and awareness across the industry.
To support that drive for knowledge, Werner will this year be launching its first ever ‘April Falls’ Month’ – a campaign designed to encourage trade professionals to think carefully about how they work at height – and to reinforce simple safety behaviours that help prevent serious injuries.
At the centre of the campaign is a bold message that encapsulates the core values of the campaign: “Choose Life, Choose Werner”. This slogan – a nod to the iconic 80s supergroup Wham! – will feature on a series of limited-edition T-Shirts being distributed to trade professionals who routinely work at height, with the aim of sparking conversations around ladder safety on site and in merchant branches.
Alongside this, Werner will also be sharing practical guidelines and safety resources to help trade professionals ensure they are using access equipment correctly. This includes best practice guides on a range of key topics, namely:
- Rules for working at height
- Reviewing whether a ladder is the best tool for the job at hand
- Protocols for safe standing on ladders and the unique advice for differing ladder categories
- Safety checklist to follow prior to use
- How to safely use tools whilst working at height
The April Falls Month campaign builds on Werner’s wider commitment to improving safety standards across the industry, including its ongoing educational initiatives to ensure professionals choose the right ladder for the job and carry out proper inspections before use.
Justin White, Managing Director of Werner UK, said: “Working at height is a routine part of life for thousands of trade professionals across the UK – but it should never become routine from a safety perspective.
“The fact that falls from height remain the biggest cause of workplace fatalities shows just how important it is to keep safety front of mind. Through April Falls Month, we want to encourage the industry to pause, think and take simple steps that could ultimately save lives. We hope the simple message of ‘Choose Life, Choose Werner’ sticks with the trade, and encourages them to have safety front of mind, both for the duration of the campaign and going forwards.”
Throughout the month, Werner will also be engaging with people who work at height regularly in their line of work with members of the team visiting job sites and stores nationwide to provide expert advice and guidance for safe working at height. Educating and powering trade professionals to work safely at height is a core tenet of Werner’s operations, with April Fall’s Month the latest in a series of initiatives designed to promote safe working practices.
For more information about ladder safety and working at height, visit Werner’s safety hub: https://www.wernerco.com/uk/ladder-safety
