Preventing Accidents with Ladders and Stepladders

The humble ladder has been around for tens of thousands of years. Every civilisation has used a ladder in some form or another and we are know different. And it is testament to their simplicity that ladders are still commonplace today.

However, ladders can be dangerous and while they are perhaps the most convenient and practical method of working at heights, ladders are responsible for 90,000 injuries each year in the UK alone.

However, that doesn't mean that using ladders is a risky business, ladders can be perfectly safe if simple safety precautions are taken.

There are two types of ladder. The conventional or extension ladder used for leaning on buildings to scale to height or the A-frame or step ladder, useful for working on ceilings.

There are advantages and disadvantages to using both type of ladder but it is important to use the correct ladder for the correct location. Remember -an extension ladder is for working against something and a step ladder is for working beneath.

Extension ladders often allow users to scale greater heights but it is important that several rungs of the extension ladder exceed the working height. If they don't the extension needs to be pulled out but the extension should only be used to a minimum requirement.

Extension ladders should also be leaned at the correct angle. Too horizontal and they can slip whilst too vertical and they could topple.

Getting someone to foot the ladder is a good idea too for both extension and step ladders. The best method is for them to place one foot on the bottom rung and to hold the sides tightly with each hand. It is important though, that all tools are secured to the top of the ladder or to the user, as a falling tool can cause serious injury to someone footing the ladder.

Both step ladders and extension ladders should also be inspected before use for any sign of structural damage and if there is some damage then the ladder should not be used (it's a good idea to place a notice on the ladder too in case somebody else doesn't spot the flaw).

You should never lean from either type of ladder either if you find yourself leaning then you need to get down and reposition the ladder – leaning from a ladder can cause it to topple.

Extension ladders and step ladders can be a convenient and safe method of working at heights as long as these simple steps are taken.