Working at Height

Article 1 of 7 in the safe use of ladders and stepladders. Ladders and stepladders are not banned under health and safety law. The law calls for a sensible, proportionate approach to managing risk, and ladders can be a sensible and practical option for low-risk, short-duration tasks, although they should not automatically be your first … Read more

Article 2 of 7 in the safe use of ladders and stepladders. Checking your ladder for safety cannot be left to chance. Before using a ladder, refer to the user instructions from the manufacturer if available, but in any case you should always carry out a ‘pre-use’ check to spot any obvious visual defects to … Read more

Article 3 of 7. There are multiple styles of ladders for different tasks. However, each variant is designed for something different, has differing mechanisms, safety features and dangers if not used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Article index Overview How and when to use a ladder at work How to check your ladder is safe … Read more

Article 4 of 7. There are many application where it is totally safe and acceptable to use ladders and stepladders. The HSE recommends use of ladders and stepladders under certain conditions. Under any other circumstances a different form of access should be considered. Article index Overview How and when to use a ladder at work … Read more

Article 5 of 7. Securing your ladders before first use is a must for first time safety. It’s all too easy just to jump on to do the “2-second” job, but that is all it takes for a serious accident to happen. Checking and securing before use will eliminate the vast majority of accidents. Article … Read more

Article 6 of 7. Employers need to make sure that any ladder or stepladder is both suitable for the work task and in a safe condition. However, the employee or user of the ladder also has a duty to inspect the work equipment before attempting the task in order to prevent harm both to himself … Read more

Article 7 of 7. EN131 is the current standard for portable steps and ladders. While BS2037 and BS1129 have been withdrawn, ladders originally made to these standards prior to their withdrawal may still be used (subject to following user instructions and guidance on safe use). Article index. Overview How and when to use a ladder … Read more

It’s a common myth that ladders and step ladders have been banned from use on work sites under health and safety law. In fact, the HSE state that they can be a sensible and practical option for low risk, short duration tasks. The confusion may have come about due to some high profile building and … Read more