Ladders and stepladders are common on construction sites. They are simple to use, easy to move and suitable for many jobs.
However, that does not mean they are always safe. Too many accidents occur each year because ladders are used incorrectly. Small mistakes often cause serious injuries. Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in the UK.
Construction site owners and managers cannot afford to treat ladder safety as an afterthought. It requires the same attention as every other part of site safety.
This article outlines how to use ladders and stepladders safely. It explains simple steps to reduce risks and meet legal responsibilities under UK law.
Why Ladder Safety Should Still Be a Top Priority
Ladders appear straightforward. Climb up, complete the task, climb down.
Yet it is easy to forget how quickly things can go wrong. A slip, a wobble or a missed equipment check can turn a routine job into a serious injury.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 set out clear requirements. Any work at height must be properly planned, supervised and carried out safely. This includes work using ladders and stepladders.
Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continue to show that falls from height are a major cause of deaths and serious injuries in construction. A large proportion of these incidents involve ladders.
This is why training matters. A structured working at height safety training programme gives workers the knowledge they need. It teaches when ladders are appropriate, how to set them up safely, how to inspect them properly and how to manage risks in busy environments.
Training turns everyday tasks into safe habits, protecting workers before their feet leave the ground.
Choosing the Right Ladder or Stepladder for the Job
Selecting the right equipment is the first step towards staying safe.
The ladder chosen must reach the required height without forcing workers to stand on the top three rungs. The ground conditions must also be considered. If the ground is uneven or unstable, other access equipment, such as a tower scaffold, may be more appropriate.
It is essential to check the ladder’s rating. Commercial and industrial-grade ladders are designed for heavier use and are safer than domestic types.
Asking for advice if unsure is always better than risking the wrong choice. Using the correct ladder from the outset saves time and prevents accidents.
Inspecting Ladders and Stepladders Before Use
Every ladder and stepladder should be inspected before use. It only takes a few minutes and can prevent serious injuries.
Inspections should look for cracks, bends, splits, worn rungs, and damaged feet. Stepladders should have locking mechanisms checked to ensure they open fully and lock securely.
Any ladder that shows signs of damage must not be used. It should be tagged clearly, removed from service and either repaired or replaced.
Trusting a ladder simply because it “looks fine” from a distance is never safe practice.
Setting Up Ladders and Stepladders Safely
Safe setup is essential.
When setting up a ladder, use the 1-in-4 rule: for every four units of height, the base should be one unit out from the wall. This provides a stable working angle.
Ladders must be secured at both the top and bottom whenever possible, using ladder ties, stabilisers or a person footing the ladder.
Stepladders must be fully opened and the locking braces engaged before climbing. They must be placed on firm, level ground. Stepladders should not be leaned against walls unless they are specifically designed for that purpose.
Never prop a ladder or stepladder on unstable surfaces such as pallets, bricks or makeshift platforms. Good setup habits prevent accidents before work even starts.
Key Tips for Safe Ladder and Stepladder Use
Simple rules make a big difference.
Workers should always maintain three points of contact, whether two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. This maintains balance and stability.
When climbing or descending, workers should face the ladder and avoid twisting or stretching sideways.
Tools and materials should be carried in a belt or hoisted up separately to keep hands free for climbing.
Workers must never stand on the top three rungs of a ladder. Stretching to reach a higher point increases the risk of losing balance.
Taking regular breaks is also important, as fatigue increases the risk of mistakes.
Why Training and Refreshers Matter for Ladder Safety
Many people assume ladder use is “common sense”, but accident statistics show otherwise.
Most accidents happen because of rushed setups, bad habits or overconfidence.
Training provides structure. It reminds workers of the correct steps, the right checks and the safe ways to work.
Refresher training is just as important. Skills fade over time, and without regular updates, dangerous habits can creep back in.
A good ladder safety awareness course covers everything teams need, from selecting the right ladder to setting it up properly and recognising changing site conditions.
Consistent training keeps workers alert, reduces risks and saves lives.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Ladder Accidents
Several mistakes occur time and time again.
Using ladders that are too short, overreaching instead of moving the ladder, balancing ladders on unstable ground, and using damaged equipment because “it is only a quick job” are all common issues.
Weather conditions are often ignored. Wet or windy conditions make ladder work significantly more dangerous.
Failing to check ladders before use is another regular mistake. A split rung or cracked stile may not be obvious at a glance but can easily fail under load.
Rushing is one of the most common causes of accidents. In construction, trying to save a few minutes can cost a life.
Spotting and challenging unsafe practices immediately is vital to maintain site safety.
Legal Responsibilities for Site Owners and Managers
Ladder safety is a legal duty, not a suggestion.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 make clear that site owners and managers must plan work at height properly, provide suitable equipment, ensure workers are trained and supervise work carefully.
If an accident occurs and basic safety steps were not taken, the consequences can be severe. Fines, legal action and serious project delays are likely.
Managing ladder safety properly is not about paperwork. It is about protecting people and ensuring work is completed without unnecessary risk.
Training, inspections and supervision must be ongoing priorities.
Final Takeaway
Ladders and stepladders are simple tools, but if used incorrectly, they can cause life-changing injuries or even fatalities.
Good ladder safety starts long before anyone climbs. It begins with choosing the right equipment, inspecting it carefully, setting it up properly and using it safely.
Site owners and managers must lead by example. By promoting safe habits, insisting on proper checks and challenging poor practices, they create a culture where safety comes first.
Spending a few extra minutes getting ladder use right could save lives.
On construction sites, there is no shortcut to safety.
