Ladder-related accidents can lead to severe injuries or fatalities, which makes ladder safety a critical concern for business owners. So, in this blog post, we’ll explore essential ladder safety tips, the importance of ladder maintenance and best practices to make sure your work environment stays safe. 

Ladder safety tips

Understanding ladder safety is crucial for preventing accidents. These guidelines cover essential precautions to take before and while using a ladder. Here’s how to use a ladder safely:

Choose the right ladder

Picking the right kind of ladder is the first step to staying safe. Different kinds of ladders include:

  • Stepladders
  • Extension ladders
  • Multi-purpose ladders

All of these ladders will have different height and weight capacities, so you’ll need to make sure the ladder is tall enough for the task to avoid overreaching, and check that the weight capacity is enough for both the user and any tools or materials needed for the task. You should also make sure the ladder meets any relevant safety standards and certifications.

Inspect the ladder before use

Thoroughly inspect the ladder before use, looking out for:

  • Visible damage e.g. cracks or dents that could compromise the structural integrity of the ladder
  • Secure parts – make sure rungs, steps and locking mechanisms are intact and functional
  • Wear and tear e.g. corrosion, rust or deterioration

Set up the ladder properly

By setting up the ladder properly, you’ll prevent slips and falls.

  • Make sure the ladder is placed on a level, firm surface
  • Make sure the ladder is fully extended and locked into position

Climb up the ladder correctly

Safe climbing techniques can prevent accidents.

  • Three points of contact – make sure there are always three points of contact when climbing the ladder. That could be two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand.
  • Face the ladder when climbing up or down
  • Keep your body between the side rails to maintain balance

Avoid overreaching and overloading

Respect the ladder’s limits!

  • Don’t lean too far out to the sides or too far upwards – make sure the ladder is properly positioned
  • Follow the ladder’s weight capacity guidelines
  • Don’t carry heavy items while climbing – use tool belts or hoists instead

Ladder safety at work

Beyond individual use of ladders, organisational safety procedures are vital for making sure the work environment is safe.

Understand workplace regulations

Make sure ladders are used according to workplace safety policies and provide training on ladder safety for all employees. HS Direct’s ladders and stepladders e-learning course is a comprehensive overview of ladder safety, and your employee can complete it quickly and easily.

Conduct regular safety inspections

Inspecting ladders regularly means you can identify and reduce the risk of accidents happening sooner rather than later. Make sure you implement regular Health & Safety inspections as part of your workplace Health & Safety Policy and that any faulty or damaged ladders are removed from use immediately.

Use personal protective equipment (PPE)

Appropriate PPE can add another level of safety. Make sure employees wear non-slip shoes to prevent slipping off the ladder, and a hard hat is always a good idea when working at height to protect against falling objects.

Implement safe work practices

Safe work practices can improve overall ladder safety hugely. Think about assigning a spotter for additional safety when needed, and try and avoid using ladders in adverse weather conditions like high winds or heavy rain.

Create a healthier, safer workplace with HS Direct

Ladder safety at work is a crucial aspect of creating a safe environment for employees, so we’re here to help out. Use our free working at height risk assessment to make sure you’ve considered all the risks associated with ladder use and found ways to reduce them – and pair it with our ladders method statement to make sure you’re completely covered. Want to chat more about your Health & Safety needs at your business? Call us on 0101 244 4461 or contact us here.