What you need to know about being safe when working on ladders
Whether you are a contractor, facilities manager, or maintenance company, working at height remains one of the most dangerous activities in the workplace. With falls from height continuing to be a leading cause of serious workplace injuries and fatalities, proper ladder safety training is not just a legal requirement it is a vital skill that could save lives.
The Regulations
The The Work at Height Regulations 2005 place clear obligations on both employers and employees. As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring that all work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent people. This includes conducting risk assessments, providing suitable equipment, and ensuring staff receive appropriate training.
For employees, understanding your responsibilities is equally important. This includes following training guidelines, thoroughly inspecting equipment before use, and reporting any defects or safety concerns immediately.
BS EN 131, is product standard governing all portable and ladders (including step, extending and combination types), underwent significant revisions that came into effect in January 2019. The enhanced BS EN 131 standard promotes greater ladder safety by requiring ladders to be wider, stronger and more stable than previous models. For instance, all ladders should now be capable of supporting a weight of 150kg. It is important to note that the former British Standards BS 2037 and BS 1129 (commonly known as Class 1 and Class 3 ladders) have been withdrawn so being aware of the standard that the ladder you are using was made to is an important safety consideration.
The Truth About Ladder Accidents
The latest HSE statistics are from 2023 and suggest that 40% of falls from height involved ladders. Each year, thousands of workers suffer injuries from falls involving ladders, and were usually associated with maintenance. The vast majority of these incidents are entirely preventable with proper training and adherence to safety protocols.
Common causes include:
- Using ladders for tasks they are not designed for.
- Failing to conduct proper pre-use inspections.
- Incorrect positioning and setup.
- Overreaching whilst on the ladder.
- Using damaged or unsuitable equipment.
Choosing the Right Equipment for the Job
Not all tasks at height require the same equipment. A critical component of ladder safety is selecting the appropriate access equipment for the specific task at hand. We mentioned the new BS EN131 standard above, but other factors to consider include:
- The height and location of the work
- Duration and complexity of the task
- The working environment (indoor vs outdoor, surface conditions)
- Weight requirements (both user and materials)
- Potential hazards in the work area
Sometimes a ladder simply is not the right tool. Scaffold towers, mobile elevated work platforms, or podium steps may be more appropriate alternatives that offer greater stability and safety for certain tasks.
Inspecting Your Ladder
Knowing how to properly inspect a ladder before use is a fundamental skill covered in our training. Key inspection points include:
- Checking for structural damage to stiles (the vertical parts of a ladder), rungs and feet.
- Ensuring all fixings and fittings are secure.
- Looking for signs of wear, corrosion or distortion.
- Verifying that safety devices are functioning correctly.
- Confirming the ladder is clean and free from contaminants that could cause slips.
STS First Aid’s course provides instruction for conducting inspections, teaching participants how to identify defects that compromise safety and understand the proper reporting procedures when issues are found.
Ladder safety now goes beyond basic protocols. Modern stabilising devices, levelling attachments, and securing systems can significantly reduce risks when working at height. Our training covers the latest safety innovations and how they can be integrated into your workplace practices to create a safer working environment.
STS First Aid’s half-day course is designed to equip participants with all the knowledge and skills needed to safely work with ladders. Upon completion, attendees receive a certificate of attendance valid for three years, demonstrating compliance with current regulations.
With courses available throughout the year as in-house training at your own premises, we make it convenient to ensure your team is properly trained. Our course has capacity for up to 12 participants per session, our course represents excellent value for an investment in workplace safety. To learn more about our ladder safety training please get in touch. To discover our full range of courses download of training schedule for 2025 at the top of this page.
