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Using ladders safely

What do I need to know?

Work at Height Regulations 2005
Common causes of falls
Is a ladder right for the job?

What do I need to do?

Using leaning ladders safely
Using stepladders safely

On average 12 people a year die at work falling from ladders and over 1200 suffer major injuries. Ladders remain the most common agent involved and account for more than a quarter of all falls from height.

The key message from HSE is that the ladders should only be used for low-risk, short-duration work.

These web pages show employers, dutyholders and workers how to use ladders safely and how to assess and minimise the risk of falls.

Work at Height Regulations 2005

The Work at Height Regulations (2005) came into force in April 2005. Employers have a duty to assess the risks, plan and supervise all workers who work at height. You will find guidance about these regulations at NDG 401 - The Work at Height Regulations 2005: a brief guide (PDF).

Topics include :

What is 'work at height'?
What the regulations cover
Do the rules apply to you?
What you must do as an employer

When can ladders be used?

Ladders can be used if after assessing the risks the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and short duration. Short duration is taken to be between 15 and 30 minutes depending upon the task. Ladders can also be used for low risk work where there are features on the site that mean a ladder must be used.

Common causes of falls :

Common causes of falls, including those where:	You can help prevent this type of fall if you:
The user over-reaches	Keep your body centred within the ladder. Always keep three points of contact with the ladder.
The user slips from the ladder	Keep the rungs clean and in good condition Wear non-slip footwear, if necessary clean the soles before using theeladder Are fit to work at height Are trained to use a ladder Keep three points of contact with the ladder Make sure the rungs are horizontal
The ladder wobbles, slips and falls	Position the ladder correctly on a firm, level surface Check the feet of the ladder daily Fasten the ladder at the top and bottom Rest the ladder on a firm surface at the top
The ladder breaks	Position the ladder properly, use the 1 in 4 rule for leaning ladders Do not exceed the maximum weight limit on the ladder Only carry light materials or tools (up to 10kg)

Is a ladder right for the job?

If you are not sure that it is right to use a ladder speak to your supervisor or the safety representative. Employers and self-employed people can contact the HSE and also look at Check your ladder before you use it - find out how.

Further resources

INDG403 - A toolbox talk on leaning ladder and stepladder safety - A talk which can be used to help improve the competence of workers using leaning ladders and stepladders across all industry topics including hazards and pre-use checks, positioning and safe use.

INDG402 - Safe use of ladders and stepladders - This guidance helps employers, the self-employed and people who work from ladders know when to use a ladder, decide how to select the right sort of ladder for the job, understand how to use it, know how to look after it and take sensible safety precautions.

INDG405 - Top tips on ladder and stepladder safety - Useful information on safe ladder use in a handy pocket size.

Source Health & Safety Executive

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