Ladders – using them safely

Ladders – that indispensable tool for getting to those difficult to reach areas. The tasks they’re used for may seem innocuous but the outcome can be nasty if not done correctly

Problem is, technically, as soon as you put your foot on that first rung you’re “working at height” and you come under the “Work at Height Regulations 2005” (rather than link to the Regulations themselves here’s a link to the HSE’s page about Preventing Falls).

Sounds silly but most non-fatal injuries happen with falls of 2m or less.

12% of non-fatal injuries within the agriculture sector for 2016-17 were ‘falls from height’ (see these statistics). That increases to 18% for fatal injuries!

There are a number of misconceptions regarding ladders and ‘health and safety’. Some think that ladders are not a safe way of working at height or accessing higher levels. That’s simply not the case – it’s all about using them correctly and safely.

Using a ladder safely

First off – your ladders need to be in a useable condition. Broken rungs of bent stiles (the longer ‘sides’ of the ladder) are the more obvious signs of damage but, if your ladder extends, make sure that the locks or hooks are not missing or bent. Metal ladders have feet that help provide grip at the bottom. Make sure they’re not missing and if you ladder is wooden make sure that it’s not rotten – we’ve all seen that ladder that’s been lying outside, behind a shed, then been put to use!

Make sure it’s the best tool for the job. If the job in hand is likely to take more than 30 minutes you should consider a more suitable way to work at height. That might be scaffold or an elevated platform. The recommendation is that 3 points of contact be maintained. For a short while such as holding a screw or a nail then both hands is not possible but a steady position needs to be held (not leaning or over stretching).

Is the ground the ladder is to be used on level and firm? If there’s a likelihood of slipping is the ladder the best option? As a last resort get somebody to ‘foot’ the ladder for you.

Use the ladder within its limits.

  • Use the 1 in 4 rule – for every meter away from the wall at the bottom the ladder should be 4m up the wall.
  • Don’t overload the ladder using it to carry heavy objects to height
  • Don’t over-reach

For a good, easy to read, overview of using a ladder safely see the HSE’s brief guide “Safe use of ladders and stepladders” available as a free download.

Ultimately, it comes down to looking at the task to be done and asking:

  • Is the ladder the best option?
  • Is the ladders fit to use?
  • Can it be used safely?

If the answer’s “no” to any of those then reconsider. Look at the HSE’s Preventing Falls page for more information

Safe Climbing!