Safe Use Of Ladders

Introduction

A third of all reported fall-from-height incidents involve ladders and stepladders – on average this accounts for 14 deaths and 1200 major injuries to workers each year. Many of these injuries are caused by inappropriate or incorrect use of the equipment.

This guidance is to help employers:

• know when to use a ladder
• decide how to go about selecting the right sort of ladder for the particular job
• understand how to use it
• know how to look after it
• take sensible safety precautions

HSE believes that misuse of ladders at work can be partly explained by the way they are used in the home. As with all work equipment, users need adequate information and training to be able to use ladders and stepladders safely. Adequate supervision is needed so that safe practices continue to be used.

This selection process has to take into account the hierarchy of controls.

This guidance does not apply to fixed ladders (on buildings, plant or vehicles), other types of fixed access (step irons etc), specialist rescue ladders used by the fire service, roof ladders, step stools, warehouse steps/mobile stairs, or temporary or permanent stairs.

When is a ladder the most suitable access equipment?

• firstly to avoid work at height where possible
• then to prevent falls from height; and, failing that
• to reduce the consequences of a fall

Where work at height is necessary you need to justify whether a ladder or stepladder is the most suitable access equipment compared to other access equipment options. You do this by using risk assessment and the hierarchy of controls.