Working from ladders and working at height more generally have always been the number 1 cause of workplace fatalities in the UK. Across all industries and sectors, and from heights ranging from several metres to less than 1 metre, the consequences of a fall from height are tragic and often fatal. Seegraphic: HSE Ladders Step-by-step guide
For many years, a great deal of confusion has arisen about where ladders can and can’t be used when seeking to perform work at height safely. There was a time not long ago where we had traded working from a ladder with carrying 55kg working platform for hundreds of metres across a worksite. Thankfully, those days seem to be behind us, and most workplaces are now happy to seek a balance when it comes to the use of ladders versus podium steps and other solutions.
HSE have just issued new and updated guidance in the form of a simple step-by-step guide, which should help give further clarity on when ladders can be the most appropriate choice for work. Read on to find out more about their decision-making process and resources.
HSE Ladders Step-by-step guide
Download a copy of the step-by-step guide (PDF)
Considering the risks associated with work at height and putting in place sensible and proportionate measures to manage them is an important part of working safely. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to help you control risks when working at height.
Can you avoid working at height in the first place? If no, go to prevent
Do as much work as possible from the ground. Some practical examples include:
- using extendable tools from ground level to remove the need to climb a ladder
- installing cables at ground level
- lowering a lighting mast to ground level
- ground level assembly of edge protection
Can you prevent a fall from occurring? If no, go to minimise
You can do this by:
- using an existing place of work that is already safe, eg a non-fragile roof with a permanent perimeter guardrail or, if not
- using work equipment to prevent people from falling
Some practical examples of collective protection when using an existing place of work:
a concrete flat roof with existing edge protection, or guarded mezzanine floor, or plant or machinery with fixed guard rails around it
Some practical examples of collective protection using work equipment to prevent a fall:
- mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) such as scissor lifts
- tower scaffolds
- scaffolds
An example of personal protection using work equipment to prevent a fall:
using a work restraint (travel restriction) system that prevents a worker getting into a fall position
Can you minimise the distance and/or consequences of a fall?
If the risk of a person falling remains, you must take sufficient measures to minimise the distance and/or consequences of a fall.
Practical examples of collective protection using work equipment to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall:
safety nets and soft landing systems, eg air bags, installed close to the level of the work
An example of personal protection used to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall:
- industrial rope access, eg working on a building façade
- fall arrest system using a high anchor point
Using ladders and stepladders
For tasks of low risk and short duration, ladders and stepladders can be a sensible and practical option.
If your risk assessment determines it is correct to use a ladder, you should further minimise the risk by making sure workers:
- use the right type of ladder for the job
- are competent (you can provide adequate training and/or supervision to help)
- use the equipment provided safely and follow a safe system of work
- are fully aware of the risks and measures to help control them
Follow HSE guidance on safe use of ladders and stepladders.
For each step, consider what is reasonably practicable and use ‘collective protection’ before ‘personal protection’
