Ladder Safety & Working at Height

Falls from height are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. Not only can accidents result in serious harm to employees, but they can also lead to financial and legal consequences for businesses. We look at how proper training and compliance with ladder safety protocols can help prevent these incidents and protect your workforce.

How do I know if my employees need Working at Height training or retraining?

Employees who use ladders or scaffolding, or work on elevated surfaces, require training. Signs that retraining is required include:

• Lack of awareness or misunderstanding of ladder safety protocols
• Near-miss incidents or actual falls in the workplace
• Introduction of new equipment or updated safety regulations
• Employee turnover or new hires without prior training
• The last formal Working at Height training was carried out 3 or more years ago

What are the key ladder safety rules my employees should follow?

The following ladder safety principles should be implemented:

• Choose the right ladder: ensure it is long enough and has the correct load capacity
• Inspect the ladder before use: check for damage, missing rungs, and slippery substances
• Position it correctly: place it on a stable, level surface and use the four-to-one ratio rule for straight ladders
• Climb safely: maintain three points of contact and avoid overreaching or standing on the top step
• Secure the ladder: if accessing a raised surface, extend it at least three feet above the edge and tie it off

What are the consequences of ignoring ladder safety?

Ignoring ladder safety can lead to severe outcomes, including:

• Workplace injuries or fatalities
• Increased insurance premiums and legal liability
• Fines or enforcement action from regulatory bodies
• Loss of productivity due to employee absence or investigations

How can I provide my team with proper training?

Register your employees in a Working at Height training course to provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills. Our recommended course covers:

• Risk assessment and hazard identification
• Awareness of the safe use of ladders and scaffolding
• Emergency procedures and fall prevention techniques

You can find a suitable course here: Working at Height Training.

We can also provide more specialist Working at Height training such as IPAF training for MEWP (mobile elevated work platform) operators.

What advice is available for implementing ladder safety protocols in my business?

May 12^th-16^th is No Falls Week, a nationwide campaign which promotes safe working at height. Throughout the week, we will be providing information on courses, tips and advice on our social media channels.

Our Health & Safety team can assist with tailored audits, risk assessments, and training programmes. Contact us at healthandsafety@skaltd.co.uk for expert advice or email our training team at training@skaltd.co.uk to schedule a course.