Ladder Safety: The Rules That Matter
Over 40,000 people are injured on ladders in the UK every year. In Spain, falls from height account for 25% of all fatal workplace accidents. Most of these involve ladders. Most are preventable. These 10 rules are the difference.
Rule 1 — Select the Right Ladder for the Job
Stepladders for standing access (not as a leaning ladder). Extension/telescopic ladders for leaning against a surface. Roof ladders with ridge hooks for pitched roofs. Using the wrong ladder type for the task causes accidents.
Rule 2 — Inspect Before Every Use
Check for damaged rungs, cracked stiles, missing non-slip feet and faulty locks. A 30-second inspection takes moments. Climbing a defective ladder takes a fraction of a second to go wrong.
Rule 3 — Set Up at the Correct Angle
For a leaning ladder: 75° from horizontal. The easy check: stand at the base with arms extended — your hands should rest on the rung at shoulder height when your feet are at the base.
Rule 4 — Secure the Top and Base
Tie off the top to a fixed point, or have a colleague foot the base. A ladder that moves at the top when you're 4m up is a ladder that will cause an accident.
Rule 5 — Maintain Three Points of Contact
Both feet and one hand, or both hands and one foot — always. Never lean out beyond arm's reach. If you need to stretch, descend and reposition the ladder.
Rule 6 — Don't Overreach
The old rule: keep your belt buckle between the stiles. If you need to reach further, climb down and move the ladder. Time lost repositioning is far less than time in hospital.
Rule 7 — Never Use the Top Two Rungs
The top two rungs of an extension ladder are not designed for standing. The top three of a step ladder — same rule. Use them as a hand grip only.
Rule 8 — Carry Tools in a Bag or Belt
Never carry tools in your hand on a ladder. Use a tool belt, bucket hook or a tool bag clipped to a rung.
Rule 9 — Keep Ladder Clean and Dry
Mud, oil and wet rungs eliminate grip. Clean after use. If working in wet conditions, ensure rungs have non-slip inserts.
Rule 10 — Don't Use on Soft or Uneven Ground Without Levellers
Ladder feet on soft soil or gravel sink and shift. Use purpose-made levelling feet or load-spreading base plates on soft surfaces.
FAQ
Do I need to be trained to use a ladder at work?
In EU workplaces, any work at height requires a risk assessment and, where ladders are used, appropriate training and supervision.
