Toolbox talk · General site safety · about 5 minutes
Ladders and stepladders
Download the PDF with attendance sheet
Why it matters
Ladders are not banned, but they are for short, simple, low-risk jobs only. Many falls happen from ladders that were the wrong choice or set up badly.
The hazards
- Ladder slipping at the base or top
- Overreaching and losing balance
- Damaged stiles, rungs, feet or locking bars
- Carrying heavy or awkward loads up a ladder
- Using a ladder near overhead power lines
Stay safe
- Use a ladder only for short-duration work where a safer platform isn't reasonable
- Check the ladder before every use: stiles, rungs, feet and locks
- Set leaning ladders at about 75°, the 1-in-4 rule: 1 unit out for every 4 units up
- Make sure a leaning ladder goes at least 1m above the landing point
- Secure the ladder, or foot it if it can't be tied
- Keep three points of contact and face the ladder
- Don't overreach: keep your belt buckle inside the stiles
- Lock stepladder braces fully and don't stand on the top three steps unless there is a handhold
- Take damaged ladders out of use and tell your supervisor
Ask the team
- When should we use a podium or tower instead of a ladder?
- What do you check on a ladder before you use it?
- What is the 1-in-4 rule?
The law and guidance
Work at Height Regulations 2005. HSE INDG402, Safe use of ladders and stepladders.
General guidance to help you give a toolbox talk. It doesn't replace your site's risk assessments, method statements, permits or training. Check it against your own site rules before you give it.