Carmen Álvarez Amor (Svelt): Safety in working at height begins with training

Working at height requires a high level of safety. What is Svelt's contribution in this area?

Our contribution extends far beyond the manufacture and distribution of professional ladders and scaffolding. At Svelt, we understand that equipment for work at height is, above all, a safety device that can save lives. Therefore, our philosophy is based on three fundamental pillars. Firstly, we design, manufacture, and distribute products tested in compliance with current European regulations, which meet and exceed safety standards. We have an in-house design and engineering department that develops innovative solutions conceived to reduce the risk of falls from height.

Secondly, and this is what truly differentiates us in the sector, we are firmly committed to specialised technical training and raising awareness regarding the correct use of work equipment. Furthermore, we participate actively in technical standardisation committees and collaborate with institutions such as the Fundación Laboral de la Construcción (Construction Labour Foundation) or the Asturian Institute for Prevention. We organise technical seminars where we provide information on legislation, employer and worker obligations, and good practices for working at height.

And thirdly, we highlight the importance of mandatory periodic inspections of the equipment. A ladder or scaffold may be flawlessly manufactured, but if it is not maintained in optimal condition, it ceases to be safe. At Svelt, we perform ladder inspections for the professional sector and train professionals so that they can carry them out themselves.

Working at height generates stress and entails risks; therefore, we must undertake it with training, information, and the adequate equipment. We all have responsibilities in the safety chain: the manufacturer must offer certified products, the employer must provide adequate equipment and training, the prevention technician must assess risks, and the worker must use the equipment correctly. 

What catalogue of height solutions does Svelt offer?

We offer the most extensive and versatile catalogue of professional height solutions in the Spanish market. We maintain permanent stock that allows us to respond immediately to the needs of our professional clients, and we have a custom manufacturing workshop to provide personalised solutions.

 However, in addition to standard products, we offer a highly specialised service: we manufacture custom access solutions for height, both fixed and mobile. Our technical department designs personalised structures for sectors as demanding as the aeronautical, railway, and wind energy industries, among others. These jobs require specific equipment that allows tasks at height to be completed with total safety and guarantees.

But of all our services, we highlight our commercial technical department, which offers specialised advice to each client, serving as an integral part of our value proposition. We do not just sell products; we transmit knowledge and help improve working conditions. We collaborate with organisations, companies, and associations that request our training services because we believe that prescribing quality ladders implies also offering technical differentiation and deep knowledge of the sector and regulations.

How do you value your company's participation in SICUR 2026, and what novelties will you present at the fair?

SICUR represents a fundamental strategic platform for us. It is the most important showcase for the safety sector in Spain and allows us to connect directly with occupational risk prevention professionals, safety technicians, industrial purchasing managers, and specialised distributors. All of them are key prescribers who understand that investment in quality certified equipment is an investment in prevention.

Our participation in SICUR 2026 will have a very clear focus: to show how innovation in work-at-height equipment contributes directly to reducing occupational accident rates. We will present our latest innovations in insulating ladders for electrical risk sectors, next-generation scaffolding with even safer assembly systems, and solutions adaptable to complex industrial environments.

Beyond the product, we want to transmit our message regarding the importance of continuous training and information. We want visitors to understand that a ladder is not just a tool; it is a piece of protective equipment that must be chosen with the same rigour as any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The pursuit of excellence is the foundation and motivation of the entire Svelt team. SICUR allows us to share that philosophy with the professional safety community and demonstrate that we remain pioneers in a sector w

What issues are still pending or need to be resolved in the work-at-height sector?

There are two aspects that seem crucial to me and that do not always receive the attention they deserve. On one hand, the need to change the cultural perception regarding portable ladders. Many people see them as simple tools when they are work equipment that requires technical knowledge for their selection and use. Not just any ladder is valid for any job.

On the other hand, periodic inspections are mandatory but frequently ignored. Work equipment must be inspected regularly to detect wear, deformation, or damage that compromises its safety. This responsibility falls on the employer, but I observe that many companies are unaware of this obligation or do not prioritise it adequately.

The Svelt brand has always been associated in our country with quality and safety. Those are our emblems. Behind this are many years of experience manufacturing, innovating, and ensuring we offer products that protect the lives of those who work at height. A scaffold or a ladder is the best metaphor for this company: all our effort is oriented toward continuing to climb steps, but always in a safe and stable manner.