Ladders, Step Ladders and Safety Steps are common in many workplace environments. A sensible and practical option for short-duration tasks and ideal for employees who regularly work at height. But using them safely is essential.

Employers in the UK must to keep their workforce safe. To comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR), they must carry out regular risk assessments and offer appropriate training to any staff member using a ladder.

In this guide, we’ll help you create a safer working environment with our top ladder and stepladder safety tips for employers and employees.

Essential Ladder & Stepladder Safety Tips For Employers In The Workplace

As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that your employees have adequate equipment to perform their daily tasks. According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), ladders are not banned under health and safety law. In fact, they even describe them as a “sensible option”. But only for sort duration jobs of less than 30-minutes.

If your staff members spend more than half an hour working at height on a particular task. HSE recommends that you look for an alternative option to ladders, such as a tower or work platform. If they spend their day running up and down, a stepladder could be a perfect choice.

When buying ladders and stepladders in the workplace, employers should make sure that they are:

  • Suitable for the intended use
  • Strong and robust enough to support those using them
  • British Standard Class 1 or BS EN131 certified

Ladders must only be in use in situations safely, i.e. on level, stable ground. Employees must receive adequate training before using any workplace ladders and supervised when using new equipment.

As an employer, it is necessary to store ladders correctly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, to prevent damage. You should keep up-to-date records of visual inspections carried out by competent employees and replace damaged stepladders immediately.

Ladder Safety Tips For Employees

Employees equally have an obligation to observe safety regulations when using ladders and stepladders in the workplace. Only those who feel confident and competent should use ladders in professional working environments. HSE recommends carrying out the following pre-use checks at the start of each working day:

  • Check Both Stiles: The vertical parts, if damaged, the ladder could buckle or collapse when you are using it.
  • Check the Feet: Ladder feet are what secure the ladder to the workplace ground. Usually made of a non-slip material such as rubber or plastic, so it is essential to check that they are not damaged or missing before every use.
  • Check the Rungs: Also known as steps and treads, ladder rungs support your weight when you climb. Being bent, missing or loose, could cause the ladder to become unstable. If wet, they could be a slip hazard. You should check the weight load capacity of any stepladder or ladder before you use it.
  • Check the Platform: Ladder platforms that split or buckled could fail to support your weight. Report this immediately to your employer.
  • Check the Locking Mechanism: Most stepladders and safety steps have locking mechanisms to keep them securely open when in use. Check the functionality before using the ladder, making sure all locking bars engage properly.

When working in a fast-paced workplace, it can be easy to overlook these simple ladder checks, but taking a few minutes at the start of your shift could help prevent a serious accident. Employers and employees need to do their part, so check your ladders carefully and stay safe when work takes you off the ground.

If you’d like more tips and articles on all things ladders, check out the rest of our blog.