stepladder & backache

[hairyben]

So being a spark I spend a fair bit of time working in all sorts of funny postures which dont do you much good... but recently I've noticed some persitent aches after working off the stepladder for more than a couple of minutes.

The ladder is one of these with quite narrow rungs: http://www.titanladders.co.uk/product/tiger-foldin...

Would a stepladder with broader steps be the solution? Not been a issue before and I'm "only" approaching 40.. backs been dodge before but try to take care, sleep on memory foam and touch wood not been a prob for years.. what about the boots I'm wearing, could they not be helping or could better boots potentially improve the issue? Any other ideas?

[sjj84]

That ladder won't be helping. Get one with wider flat rungs if you're using it for any length of time. I'm also a spark with a dodgy back.

[hairyben]

Seems it's not all that uncommmon, but as is so often the case with men on the tools in this country we are so ignorant of health implications and blase about the damage we do; seems no-one makes anything in the way of a useful multifunction ladder with decent steps, which is a shame as they cut down on the amount of kit to lug around

Will probably pick up some better steps anyway, but just ordered one of these: http://www.rungstep.com/ , cheapest on amazons USA site if anyones interested.

[CoolHands]

Wouldn't this style be tall enough for most residential ceilings?

http://www.titanladders.co.uk/product/platform-ste...

[Slagathore]

These are nice and comfortable, but you don't get much height.

http://www.diy.com/departments/werner-3-tread-stee...

[hairyben]

CoolHands said:

Wouldn't this style be tall enough for most residential ceilings?

http://www.titanladders.co.uk/product/platform-ste...

TBH I'm looking at something like this http://www.wickes.co.uk/Hailo-Champions-Line-6-Tre... which is similar but industrial rated, but the thing about a multi-fuction ladder like the one I use and link to earlier is it functions as a stepladder, 14 tread extension ladder and unequal stairway ladder which covers nearly all of what I generally encounter and slips down to ~1 meter to store upright in the van, as opposed to several different cumbersome ladders on the roof waiting to get nicked or rained on then to get road grime all over my customers white carpets.