Ladders are one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment for working at height, yet they're involved in thousands of workplace accidents each year. Falls from ladders cause serious injuries and fatalities that are often preventable.
When did you last inspect your ladders?
Ladder safety starts with proper inspection
When should ladders be used?
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, ladders should only be used when:
- The work is short duration — typically defined as less than 30 minutes in one position
- The risk is low — light work that doesn't involve stretching, forcing, or handling heavy materials
- Existing site conditions prevent safer alternatives — and you can demonstrate why scaffolding, mobile towers, or other equipment isn't reasonably practicable
Ladders are not a first choice for working at height. They're only suitable when you've considered and ruled out safer alternatives. The hierarchy is: avoid working at height → use work platforms → use ladders only as a last resort.
What counts as "short duration"?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance suggests that work from a ladder should typically be completed within 30 minutes in one position. This includes:
- Painting a small area
- Changing a light bulb or fitting
- Brief inspection work
- Cleaning windows
- Accessing higher storage briefly
If the work will take longer, or you'll be working for extended periods throughout the day, you should use a more suitable work platform.
Even if each individual task is short, repeated use of ladders throughout a working day adds up. Consider whether the cumulative time at height justifies using a mobile tower or other platform instead.
Types of ladders
Leaning ladders (single or extension)
Used against a wall or other vertical surface. Available as single-section ladders or extending versions.
Suitable for:
- Accessing roofs or high-level areas
- Brief work at various heights
- Locations where stepladders won't fit
Not suitable for:
- Use as a working platform (unless specifically designed as such)
- Working for extended periods
- Use on unstable or uneven ground
Stepladders (A-frame)
Free-standing ladders that open into an A-frame shape.
Suitable for:
- Work in the middle of rooms or open spaces
- Tasks directly in front of you
- Indoor maintenance work
Not suitable for:
- Working side-on or off to one side
- Reaching overhead for extended periods
- Use with only three legs touching the ground
Combination ladders
Can be configured as leaning ladders, stepladders, or stairway ladders.
Advantages:
- Versatility for different tasks
- Good for varied site conditions
Important:
- Must be properly configured and locked for each use
- Higher risk if not set up correctly
- Heavier and more complex to use
Leaning Ladder vs Stepladder
Leaning Ladder
- •Needs solid vertical support
- •Can reach greater heights
- •Must follow 1 in 4 rule
- •Requires securing at top or bottom
- •Easier to move and transport
- •Not suitable for middle-of-room work
Stepladder
- •Free-standing, no support needed
- •Limited working height
- •All four feet must be on firm ground
- •No 1 in 4 rule to calculate
- •Bulkier to move
- •Ideal for indoor work
Bottom line: Choose based on the task and location. Leaning ladders for accessing higher areas with solid support; stepladders for short tasks in open spaces.
The 1 in 4 rule for leaning ladders
The correct angle for a leaning ladder is critical for safety. Too steep and it can topple backwards; too shallow and it can slide out at the base.
The 1 in 4 rule states:
- For every 4 units of height, the base should be 1 unit away from the wall
- This creates an angle of approximately 75 degrees
- A simple visual check: stand at the base, facing the ladder, arms outstretched — your fingertips should just touch the rungs
Example calculation:
- If the ladder reaches 4 metres up the wall, the base should be 1 metre out from the wall
- If it reaches 6 metres up, the base should be 1.5 metres out
Too many people rely on guesswork. Use the outstretched arm test every time you set up a leaning ladder — it takes seconds and could save your life.
Three points of contact
When climbing or descending a ladder, maintain three points of contact at all times:
- Two hands and one foot, or
- Two feet and one hand
This means:
- Face the ladder when climbing
- Don't carry materials in your hands — use a tool belt, hoist, or have materials passed up
- Don't lean to the side or overreach
- Take your time
The moment you break three points of contact — reaching for a tool, leaning sideways, carrying something — your risk of falling increases dramatically. Plan ahead so you don't need to.
Pre-use inspection
Every ladder must be inspected before each use. It takes less than a minute and can prevent serious injury.
What to do if you find damage:
- Remove from service immediately — attach a "Do Not Use" tag
- Report it — inform your supervisor or responsible person
- Record it — log the defect in your maintenance records
- Repair or dispose — minor damage may be repairable by a competent person; serious damage means the ladder should be scrapped
Never attempt to use a damaged ladder "just this once" or assume someone else will sort it out. Damaged ladders kill and injure people every year — often when someone knew there was a problem but used them anyway.
Securing and stabilising ladders
For leaning ladders:
Preferred methods (best to worst):
- Secure at the top — tie or bracket the ladder to a solid structure at the top (best option)
- Secure at the bottom — stake or tie the base to prevent slipping
- Use a ladder stabiliser — a device that increases the base width and spreads the load
- Have someone foot the ladder — a second person stands on the bottom rung facing the ladder (only if none of the above are possible)
Additional measures:
- Use ladder grips or matting on slippery surfaces
- Ensure the ground is firm and level
- Clear away debris, mud, or other slip hazards
- In windy conditions, reconsider whether ladder work is safe
For stepladders:
- Ensure all four feet are on firm, level ground
- Open the ladder fully so the stays are locked
- Never use a stepladder partly closed or with only three legs touching the ground
- Don't use stepladders on soft ground, slopes, or uneven surfaces
- Check the ground won't compress or shift under load
Safe working loads and capacity
All ladders must be marked with their safe working load (SWL). This includes:
- The weight of the user
- Tools, materials, and equipment being carried
- Any force applied during work (e.g., pushing or pulling)
EN131 classifications:
Class 1 (Industrial/Professional):
- Maximum load: 175 kg
- Suitable for trade and professional use
- Heavier duty construction
Class 3 (Light Domestic):
- Maximum load: 125 kg
- Suitable for domestic use only
- Not for workplace use
Always use Class 1 ladders for workplace activities. Class 3 ladders are not suitable for professional or trade use, even if the weight seems adequate. The construction and durability standards differ significantly.
Weight calculations:
- Average person with work clothes and tools: 80-100 kg
- Always leave a safety margin
- If you're carrying materials up a ladder, include their weight
- Consider the weight distribution — tools in a heavy belt count
EN131 is the European safety standard for ladders. Since 2018, all new ladders must meet EN131-2, which requires improved stability and strength. Older ladders may show EN131-1, which is still acceptable if they're in good condition.
Avoiding overreaching
Overreaching is one of the most common causes of ladder falls.
The safe zone:
- Keep your belt buckle (centre of your body) between the stiles of the ladder
- If you can't reach comfortably, climb down and move the ladder
- Don't lean to the side or stretch your arms out beyond the ladder width
Why people overreach:
- It's quicker than moving the ladder (in the short term)
- They underestimate the risk
- They're nearly finished and "just need to reach a bit further"
The reality:
- Falls from ladders cause around 14 deaths per year in the UK
- Most ladder falls happen during routine work
- The time saved by overreaching is nothing compared to weeks or months of injury recovery
Painter falls 3 metres after overreaching
An experienced painter was working from a ladder painting the exterior of a commercial building. To save time, he reached sideways to complete 'just a bit more' rather than moving the ladder.
- ✗Overreached beyond the safe zone
- ✗Shifted his weight to one side of the ladder
- ✗Ladder was not secured at top or bottom
- ✗Working alone with no one to spot him
- ✗Time pressure to finish the job
The ladder slipped sideways, and he fell 3 metres onto concrete paving. He suffered a broken wrist, fractured ribs, and head injury requiring hospital treatment. Off work for 4 months.
No amount of time-saving justifies overreaching. Moving a ladder takes 30 seconds; recovering from a fall can take months or years. Always reposition rather than stretch.
Common ladder accidents and prevention
1. Ladder slips at base
Causes:
- Incorrect angle (not 1 in 4)
- Slippery or uneven ground
- Ladder feet worn or missing
- Not secured
Prevention:
- Check angle every time
- Use ladder matting on slippery surfaces
- Inspect feet before use
- Secure at top or bottom
2. Ladder tips sideways
Causes:
- Overreaching
- Carrying heavy items up/down
- Wind or weather conditions
- Unstable base
Prevention:
- Maintain three points of contact
- Keep belt buckle between stiles
- Use a tool belt or hoist for materials
- Check weather conditions
3. User loses balance/grip
Causes:
- Muddy or wet rungs
- Unsuitable footwear
- Carrying items while climbing
- Fatigue or rushing
Prevention:
- Clean rungs before use
- Wear proper footwear with good grip
- Never carry items — use tool belts or hoists
- Take your time, plan the work
4. Ladder structural failure
Causes:
- Hidden damage from previous incidents
- Corrosion or deterioration
- Overloading beyond safe working load
- Inappropriate repairs
Prevention:
- Regular formal inspections
- Pre-use checks every time
- Remove damaged ladders from service
- Buy quality equipment (EN131 Class 1)
Ladder Maintenance Schedule
Quick check for obvious damage, worn feet, and cleanliness
Thorough check of all components, record findings
If a ladder falls, is dropped, or involved in any incident
Recorded inspection by competent person, update asset register
Clean off mud, grease, and debris — especially from rungs
Ensure stored horizontally, under cover, off the ground
Training and competence
Using a ladder safely requires training and competence. Workers should understand:
- When ladders are appropriate (and when they're not)
- How to select the right ladder for the task
- How to inspect ladders before use
- How to set up and secure ladders correctly
- The 1 in 4 rule and three points of contact
- Safe working loads and capacity
- Recognising and reporting defects
Training should be:
- Provided before first use
- Refreshed periodically (at least every 3 years)
- Practical, not just classroom-based
- Recorded and documented
Even experienced workers benefit from refresher training. Complacency and bad habits develop over time — periodic training keeps safety front of mind.
Frequently asked questions
No. Workplace ladders must meet EN131 Class 1 (industrial) standards. Class 3 domestic ladders are not suitable for professional use — they have a lower weight rating and are not built to withstand regular commercial use.
There's no specific height limit, but ladders should only be used for short-duration, light work. The higher you work, the greater the risk. Above 2-3 metres for extended work, consider using a mobile tower or scaffold platform instead.
For leaning ladders, the base should be 1 unit away from the wall for every 4 units of height. So if the ladder reaches 4 metres high, the base should be 1 metre out. This creates a safe angle of approximately 75 degrees.
Generally no. Most stepladders are not designed for standing on the top three rungs — check the manufacturer's instructions. Using the top steps increases instability and makes it harder to maintain three points of contact.
Before every use (quick visual check) and at regular intervals by a competent person (monthly or quarterly depending on use). Also inspect after any incident such as a fall or drop.
Minor damage may be repairable by a competent person, but never attempt DIY repairs with tape, wire, or improvised fixings. Structural damage to stiles or rungs usually means the ladder should be scrapped. When in doubt, replace it.
Wear sturdy footwear with good grip — safety boots or work shoes with clean, non-slip soles. Avoid smooth-soled shoes, sandals, or boots with thick mud that reduces grip on rungs.
No. Ladders should not be used in adverse weather conditions including high winds, heavy rain, snow, or ice. Wind can catch the ladder or your body and cause loss of balance. Plan work for suitable weather conditions.
Next steps
If you're responsible for working at height activities, review whether ladders are the most appropriate equipment for your tasks:
Working at Height Regulations explained →
Download our working at height risk assessment template to document your ladder safety controls:
Need help with a working at height risk assessment? A qualified health and safety consultant can review your activities and recommend the most appropriate equipment and controls for your situation.
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