Ladder Safety at Work
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and serious injuries in the UK, and ladders are involved in a significant proportion of these incidents — often because they're misused, poorly maintained, or used for tasks better suited to other equipment. Working at height training helps employees and employers understand how to manage and control these risks.
What the Law Says
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to ensure work at height is properly planned, supervised and carried out safely. The regulations set out a hierarchy of measures:
- Avoid work at height where possible
- Prevent falls using the right work equipment
- Minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, if it can't be eliminated entirely
Ladders sit towards the bottom of this hierarchy — they're not banned, but the regulations expect them to be used only where a risk assessment shows that a higher-level control (such as a tower scaffold or Mobile Elevated Working Platform) isn't justified given the low risk and short duration of the task.
Ladders vs MEWPs: Choosing the Right Equipment
Ladders and stepladders remain a sensible, practical option for low-risk, short-duration tasks — such as quick visual checks or light work that doesn't require carrying heavy loads. For more demanding or prolonged work at height, Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWPs) provide a safe working platform and are often the more appropriate choice. IPAF operator training qualifies individuals to operate scissor lifts, boom lifts and other MEWPs safely, and is recognised across the UK construction, maintenance and facilities management sectors. Training such as the IPAF MEWPs for Managers course also helps managers decide when a MEWP is the right call, and how to plan and supervise its safe use.
Confined Spaces and Working at Height
Working at height and confined space work often overlap — particularly on construction sites, in utilities and in facilities management. If access to height involves entry into a confined space such as a tank, pit, or shaft, additional controls under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 apply. Confined spaces training covers the risk assessment, permit-to-work and emergency rescue requirements for this type of work.
What Ladder Safety Training Covers
By the end of a working at height course, learners will be able to:
- Explain the consequences of ladder misuse
- Describe the circumstances in which a ladder or stepladder is an appropriate choice
- Demonstrate how to use ladders and stepladders safely, including the 1-in-4 angle rule and three points of contact
- Carry out pre-use ladder inspections and understand ongoing maintenance requirements
- Identify the risk controls required for MEWPs
Look for Industry-Recognised Standards
When purchasing or hiring ladders, look for equipment that meets the relevant British and European standards (EN 131), and consider sourcing from suppliers who participate in Ladder Association accreditation schemes, which promote safe ladder design, use and inspection across the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ladders banned under the Work at Height Regulations?
No — ladders are permitted for low-risk, short-duration tasks where a risk assessment shows they're appropriate. They're simply lower down the hierarchy of controls than equipment that prevents a fall altogether.
How often should ladders be inspected?
Ladders should be visually checked before each use, with more detailed periodic inspections carried out and recorded in line with your organisation's maintenance schedule and the manufacturer's guidance.
When should I use a MEWP instead of a ladder?
If the task involves working at height for an extended period, requires both hands free, or involves carrying tools or materials, a MEWP or tower scaffold is usually a safer and more practical choice than a ladder. IPAF-trained operators are required to use most MEWPs on site.
What is IPAF training?
IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) training qualifies operators to use Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) such as scissor lifts, boom lifts and spider lifts. It's widely required by contractors and clients across construction, maintenance and events. Browse IPAF courses.
Related Courses
- Working at Height courses
- IPAF Powered Access courses
- Confined Spaces courses
- Asbestos Awareness courses
- Construction & Engineering courses
- The Ladder Association courses
- Working at Height course
- IPAF MEWPs for Managers course