Despite common misconceptions, the HSE deems ladders as perfectly suitable for a variety of tasks. If you’ve assessed the risks and determined the work to be low risk and short-term, and if other access equipment isn’t necessary, then using a ladder should be fine.
The Work at Height Regulations (2005) requires employers to assess risks, plan, and supervise all employees who work at height. It’s a legal requirement to provide workers with safe, well-maintained equipment that’s fit for purpose.
Falls from height are the leading cause of workplace fatalities, with 37 deaths in 2009/10 alone and over 5000 major injuries. A significant number of these incidents are due to the use of inappropriate access equipment or poorly maintained ladders.
Birmingham City Council recently took legal action against a company for providing their workers with unsafe and unfit equipment. The council seized nine ladders, and the company was fined for jeopardising their staff’s safety.
If you’re uncertain about which access equipment to use, there’s a helpful tool at www.hse.gov.uk/falls/wait. For more general information on ladders and working at height, visit www.hse.gov.uk/falls/ladders.htm.
