Ladder Innovations That Have Changed Our Lives

At first glance, ladders seem like fairly static inventions – it doesn’t seem like they can change that much. But actually, over the years ladders have changed in lots of little ways, each one helping to make life a little bit easier for us.

Collapsible, Ergonomic Designs

The collapsible element is a major advance in the design of modern telescopic portable ladders. With this ability, it means that we can extend the ladder out to exactly the height we need for the job. Not only does this give us a fine amount of control over our equipment for the job in hand, but it means we can use the same ladder to carry out multiple jobs in the same sitting, rather than having to go back and forth to fetch ladders of varying sizes. The benefits of this are twofold – first the increased convenient, but it also means greater cost efficiency as it saves us from having to buy several ladders in the first place. It makes the jobs quicker and easier, and the added advantage of being able to collapse the ladder right down means that it’s also easier to store. It’s even fair to say that the design of collapsible ladders has saved lives. Emergency services – for example firefighters – use their increased ease and speed of deployment to quickly reach those in danger, saving time in situations where every second can make the difference between life and death.

Changes In Ladder Materials

Those ergonomic designs are frequently coupled with newer materials like aluminium, making them lighter and easier for a single person to handle. Again, changes in materials allow for an even greater variety of options when it comes to storage. For example, though rigid wooden ladders are prone to rotting in damp conditions, aluminium ladders can be left outside almost all year round with a vastly reduced vulnerability to the elements – which can be handy when shed space is at a premium. This lack of deterioration makes them not only more durable, but makes them safer for us to use. It also saves us money once again, as we don’t have to keep shelling out on replacement ladders quite so often.

Evolving Attitudes To Ladder Safety

The many minor changes to ladder design over the years are subtle, but have a drastic effect in increasing the safety of their users. Just a few examples include the catches used to secure ladders being leaned against walls, and rubber non-slip feet that stop the ladder slipping against the ground. Many ladders are also designed with specific places to rest tools – or more commonly, paint cans – making your job easier and less precarious. As a general rule, many modern ladders are also simply stronger than their older counterparts, which is always a much-welcome bonus.

As you can see, though they might not seem obvious at first, there are a considerable number of innovations in ladder design that all contribute to making our lives easier; whether we’re DIY enthusiasts, professional tradespeople, or even firemen! However, even with all these safety measures, getting your ladder inspected regularly is a step that should never be neglected. You can browse our full range of products here, or call us on 01282 615517 if you have any problems or queries.

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