Posted By Mike Charleston Yes Karen I came across them when a contractor was engaged to remove/replace suspended ceilings throughout a multi-story office block in the Square Mile. It emerged that they are pretty standard pieces of kit for them. In our case the RA justified refusing their use because we had all the office furniture in place, covered with protective plastic sheets and hardboard protection. We didn't need too much imagination to foresee all the slips and trips that would cause! Mike

Posted By colin Stilts are used alot in the construction trade, many tradesmen use them, plasterers, electricians, suspended ceiling fixers and drywalling. £150-£250 a set. Stilts have been around a long time. I've watched hundreds in use over the years and have been told by the users that the stilts are really easy to use after a day or so practice, I never saw an accident while someone was using them.

Posted By Karen Todd Terry - yes, I did nearly take a buckle in my eye when I first saw them, then realised I was not seeing things. Pete - I did notice that the floor was particularly clean and tidy and free of obstructions. I couldn't see that well, but it looked like the stilts had a very small 'foot' area in contact with the floor (when compared to the sole of a boot), so I suppose the smallest obstacle that the user stood on could cause them to lose their balance, hence clean and tidy floors v. important. I guess when you learn to walk in them you quickly get the hang of it - much like riding a bike. Regards, Karen

Posted By Trevor Pierce Awaiting my first appointment in a H&S role, working as a porter in A&E Dept. (keeping body and soul together, and keeping the wolf from the door etc), chap came in covered with plaster, with a arm injury. From a H&S interest, asked him how he got the injury, and you guessed it, came off the stilts. X rayed, broken arm, so accidents from stilts do happen! Trevor

Posted By Pete Driver Not denying that Trevor. It is self evident accidents occur in any job. I said I hadn't heard of one or seen one. Unfortunately I can't say that anymore.

Posted By joseph byrne I work for a housing maintenance firm and our plasterers have used these stilts for many years for plastering ceilings the only doubt we have about them is musculo skeletal problems in the future, so must be monitored. Oh and by the way some of these lads can walk on the stilts steadier than i can on my feet when sober.

Posted By Karen Todd Joseph, Tut tut! I can remember when I did fire extinguisher training, and had to phone the control room of the fire brigade to tell them what we were up to. Their response was that they'd make a note in the file, but if a call came in that was unclear, they couldn't guarantee that they wouldn't attend. Anyhow, they said that should they have to attend, they'd show us what a big hose could do. Now that'd be something worth looking at! Hey, it's nearly Friday ;) Karen