Ladders can seem like such a simple piece of equipment, but there is plenty of evidence that they are not used and understood properly by people within a surprising range of industries. Myths about ladder use are nothing new – just a few years ago false rumours about them not being fit for use on construction sites meant the message that “ladders are not banned” had to be heavily promoted.
The cost of this type of misinformation is high. Not only are falls from height the number one reason for deaths in the workplace, they are also a leading cause of injuries. RIDDOR statistics have shown that a major proportion of these falls are from low level work.
All ladder users, then, can be just as much at risk of a life-changing fall as those using equipment at higher levels. It is for this reason that updated guidance is vital, and that the latest guidance mentions training as a solution.
After a rigorous review of work at height, the HSE established that any issues were not connected with the regulations themselves but with the supporting guidance. It is from this review that the new guidance, ‘INDG401: Working at height – a brief guide’ was developed.
The most important fact the guidance starts off with is that ladders “can be a sensible practical option for low-risk, short-duration tasks”. A good guide to what types of tasks this actually applies to is the half hour rule – if the task would require someone to stay up either a leaning ladder or a stepladder for more than half an hour at a time, different equipment is recommended.
Before thinking about the time, however, risk should be the first thing to consider when deciding whether to use a ladder. Most importantly, ladders should only be used if the conditions allow them to be used safely – in a place that will keep them level and stable and, typically, where they can be secured.
When actually using the ladder, the most important rule to bear in mind is that three points of contact should always be maintained – typically two feet and a hand – except for very brief periods such as when knocking in a nail. Longer periods without a hand hold mean other methods should be in place to prevent or minimise the consequences of a fall, such as securing a leaning ladder or using a stability device.
The guidance also emphasises that the person using the ladder must be competent to do so. Those regularly using ladders may be best served by a half-day training course. Specifically, it says, ladder users should “have had instruction and understand how to use the equipment safely”, and “appropriate training can help”.
Finally, prior to using the ladder at the start of the working day a pre-use check should be carried out. This involves the person using the ladder checking its stiles, feet, rungs and any locking mechanisms. If a stepladder is being used, the platform and steps or treads must also be checked. All of this should also be done when something changes, like the ladder being moved from a dirty area to a clean one, or being dropped.
All of these are simple tips and, while training is an excellent way of demonstrating competence, familiarity with the guidance is an excellent first step to ensure ladder users and managers are safe and on the right side of the law. Further details about guidance, training and regulations are available from ladderassociation.org.uk.