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Falls when working at height have consistently remained the most common type of workplace fatality, currently accounting for around a quarter of all worker deaths and 8 per cent of all non-fatal injuries annually. Many of these incidents involve a fall from a ladder. With this in mind, it is vital that people working from height use the right type of ladder for the task, and that they know how to use it safely.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), working in close partnership with the Ladder Association, has produced a new guidance publication aimed at helping more people better understand how to manage work at height risks, reducing harm and ensuring that everyone goes home safely every day.

‘LA455 Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders - a brief guide' is the new guidance produced by the Ladder Association and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It replaced the HSE Guidance Document INDG455 of the same name.

The guidance has been updated to highlight the importance of training, and provides extended advice on different types of portable ladders, such as telescopic ladders, and combination or multi-purpose ladders.

Ladders can be a practical and sensible way to undertake low-risk, short-duration tasks. However, they should not automatically be the first choice. When they are used, it is essential that the correct type of ladder is used, and that the user knows how to use it safely.

What is included in the new guidance?

The new guidance is designed to help employers understand the precautions they should take in order to keep their workers safe when using ladders and stepladders in the workplace. It is also a useful resource for ladder users.

When ladders can be used

The law states that ladders can be used for working at height once a risk assessment has been carried out and has shown that using alternative equipment with a higher level of fall protection is not justified due to the low risk and short duration of risk, or that there are existing workplace features which cannot be altered.

A short duration of use should not be the sole deciding factor when establishing whether using a ladder is acceptable. The risk must also come into it. For example, if a task would entail someone staying up a leaning ladder or stepladder for over 30 minutes consistently, then an alternative form of equipment would be recommended.

The guidance makes it clear that ladders should only be used in circumstances where it is safe to do so. This means where the ladder will be stable and level, and where it can be secured (where it is reasonably practical to do so).

Who can use a ladder at work

Also included in the new guidance is an explanation of who can use a ladder at work. This should be a competent person, or a trainee under the supervision of a competent person.

Competence can be demonstrated through relevant combined training, knowledge and experience. Those using a ladder should know how to assess the risks of doing so for a particular task; when it is and is not right to use a ladder, and which type of ladder to use and how to use it.

How to ensure a ladder is safe to use

There are also instructions on how to carry out a pre-use check to ensure the ladder is safe to use, as well as guidelines on using leaning ladders, telescopic ladders, stepladders and combination and multi-purpose ladders safely. In addition, you will find options for securing ladders, such as tying to a suitable point, using a stability device, wedging the ladder or, as a last resort, footing the ladder.

Ladders should, as a guide, only be used on firm or level ground or on clean, solid surfaces so that the feet can grip effectively. It is important to bear in mind that shiny surfaces can be slippery, even if they are clear of debris. It is also vital to ensure a ladder is not used somewhere it could be struck by a vehicle, or could be pushed over by the likes of doors or windows suddenly being opened.

Ladder inspections

Employers must also ensure that any ladder or stepladder supplied for use is suitable for the specific task, and that it is safe to use and correctly maintained. In other words, the ladder should be free from defects and have a current record of detailed visual inspections undertaken on a regular basis by a competent person, in line with the manufacturer's instructions.

Scaffold ladders must be inspected every seven days as part of the scaffold inspection requirements.

There is advice in the new guidance as to what to look for as part of the inspection for all ladders, such as damaged ladder feet or stiles; dangerous rungs; missing or damaged tie rods and impaired joints, rivets or stays.

Further reading

Finally, a list of related useful resources from the HSE and the Ladder Association is provided within the guidance, together with information on the product standards that ladders must adhere to.

The Ladder Association supports the No Falls Foundation, a UK-based charity dedicated exclusively to the work at height sector and committed to preventing falls from height and helping people affected by the life-changing consequences of a fall.