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 construction companies insisting that workers and contractors use other methods for working off the ground, such as scissor lifts, access platforms, and podiums.
Making their sites ladder free is often with the best of intentions, and if they want to ban ladder use from their site, they can do. It’s their site!
The HSE state that working from height accidents are 40% higher when working from ladders and step ladders. However, in the right circumstances working from a ladder can be a good alternative where access is resticted for any other form of working at height equipment, where the work is of short and light duration, and where 3-points of contact can be maintained.
HSE Guidance
Download the latest information for safely using ladders and step ladders.
INDG455 Safe Use of Ladders and Step Ladders.
The latest version of the Ladder Safety Guide produced in conjunction with the HSE and Ladder Association can be accessed here.
Visit our Working At Height resources page for further guidance on safe methods of gaining access and staying safe at height.