The Ladder Exchange 2015 Idiots on Ladders Competition asked the public to send submit pictures of people putting themselves at risk before an online vote was held.

The winner above was submitted by Mike Harris. Other glaring examples of bad practice can be found at the bottom of the story

Gary Chudleigh, Ladder Association Marketing and Communications Officer, said: “This year’s winning image is a prime example of how not to use ladders.

“Wrong in every detail, it simply serves to illustrate the need for proper ladder training. Gone are the days when learning on the job is acceptable. The risks are simply too great.

“Over the years the Ladder Exchange has removed thousands of unsafe ladders from service, thus reducing the risk of an accident resulting from a worn or faulty product.

“Equally important is the fact that buyers and users of ladders, and the people who supervise their use, are encouraged to think about height safety in general and ladder safety in particular over the period of the campaign.

“With falls from height still one of the biggest cause of deaths and injuries at the workplace, anything that helps to keep people safe is a good thing.”