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article  /  15th May 2026

Ladder and Stepladder Safety at Work: Common Risks, HSE Prosecutions and Employer Responsibilities

SECTION GUIDE

Ladders and stepladders are among the most commonly used pieces of access equipment in UK workplaces. Routine daily use might include general maintenance, inspections and retrieving stock. Although simple in design, they can present significant risks when used incorrectly. 

At impact HR, we help employers across construction, logistics, warehousing, education, facilities management, manufacturing and many other sectors to manage ladder safety at work and comply with UK health and safety law. 

This guide explains the common risks associated with ladders and stepladders, the legal duties placed on employers, recent HSE prosecution examples, and practical measures to prevent falls. 

ladder safety at workimpact hr ident

Why Ladder and Stepladder Safety matters 

Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries in the UK. Even a fall from a relatively low height can result in fractures, head injuries, internal injuries and long-term disability. 

Common causes of ladder and stepladder accidents include: 

  • Incorrect positioning  
  • Unstable or uneven ground  
  • Overreaching  
  • Defective equipment  
  • Standing on the top step of a stepladder  
  • Carrying tools or materials while climbing  
  • Poor supervision  
  • Inadequate training  

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) makes clear that ladders and stepladders should only be used for low-risk, short-duration work where more suitable equipment is not reasonably practicable. 

ladder safety at work, inspecting safety gear

Employer Legal Responsibilities 

The main legal duties arise under: 

  • The Work at Height Regulations 2005  
  • The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)  

Employers must: 

  • Avoid work at height where possible  
  • Select the most suitable equipment for the task  
  • Ensure ladders and stepladders are maintained in safe condition  
  • Provide adequate information, instruction and training  
  • Supervise work effectively  
  • Inspect equipment and remove defective items from service  

  • When should Ladders and Stepladders be used? 

    Ladders and stepladders are generally suitable only where: 

    • The task is low risk  
    • The work is of short duration  
    • Three points of contact can be maintained  
    • The user does not need to apply significant force  
    • The equipment can be positioned on firm, level ground  

    Typical examples include changing lamps, visual inspections, accessing shelving and undertaking minor repairs. 

    Where the work is prolonged, involves heavy tools or requires substantial force, safer alternatives such as podium steps, tower scaffolds or mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) should be considered. 

  • Safe use of Ladders 

    Before using a ladder: 

    1. Inspect the ladder for visible damage.  
    2. Ensure the feet are in good condition.  
    3. Place it on firm, level ground.  
    4. Set the correct angle using the 1 in 4 rule.  
    5. Secure it where possible.  
    6. Extend it at least one metre above the landing point if used for access.  
    7. Keep your belt buckle between the stiles to avoid overreaching. 

    Following these simple steps for ladder safety at work can significantly reduce the risk of falls and help ensure work at height is carried out safely and compliantly.

  • Safe use of Stepladders 

    When using a stepladder: 

    • Fully open the legs and lock the spreaders.  
    • Ensure all four feet are in contact with the ground.  
    • Do not stand on the top step unless the manufacturer permits it.  
    • Avoid leaning sideways.  
    • Reposition the stepladder rather than stretching.  

    Following these simple steps can significantly improve ladder safety at work and help reduce the risk of slips, falls, and workplace injuries.

  • Inspection and Maintenance 

    Ladders and stepladders should be inspected: 

    • Before each use  
    • After any event that may have caused damage  
    • Periodically by a competent person  

    Defects to look for include: 

    • Bent or cracked stiles  
    • Loose or damaged rungs  
    • Worn feet  
    • Faulty hinges and locking devices  
    • Corrosion  

    Defective equipment should be taken out of service immediately.

  • Training and Supervision 

    Workers should receive training on: 

    • Selecting appropriate equipment  
    • Conducting pre-use inspections  
    • Correct positioning  
    • Safe climbing techniques  
    • Equipment limitations  
    • Reporting defects  

    Supervisors should monitor compliance and intervene where unsafe practices are observed to ensure ladder safety at work.

  • Common Ladder and Stepladder Mistakes 

    Some of the most frequent unsafe practices include: 

    • Using damaged equipment  
    • Standing on unsuitable steps  
    • Working on uneven surfaces  
    • Carrying heavy materials while climbing  
    • Overreaching  
    • Using ladders for tasks requiring excessive force  
    • Failing to inspect before use  

Recent HSE Prosecutions Involving Ladders and Stepladders 

Recent HSE prosecutions demonstrate how falls from ladders and stepladders can lead to serious injuries and substantial fines. 

In one case, a construction worker fell approximately 1.65 metres from a stepladder while using a gas-powered nail gun during refurbishment works. The worker suffered severe injuries, including crush injuries to both elbows, a fractured forearm and dislocated wrists. The HSE found there was no safe system of work, the stepladder was not suitable for the task, and planning and supervision were inadequate. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £24,000, with a further £4,101 awarded in costs. 

In another case, an employee was checking irrigation systems on hanging baskets when a ladder collapsed. The worker sustained five broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung. The HSE investigation identified failures in equipment inspection and maintenance. The employer was fined £80,000 and ordered to pay costs following a prosecution for failing to ensure work equipment was maintained in a safe condition. 

These incidents demonstrate that even falls from relatively low heights can cause life-changing injuries and lead to significant enforcement action.

  • Practical Controls for Employers 

    To reduce the risk of falls, employers should: 

    • Carry out work at height risk assessments  
    • Use ladders and stepladders only where appropriate  
    • Implement inspection and maintenance regimes  
    • Provide toolbox talks and refresher training  
    • Ensure effective supervision  
    • Investigate incidents and near misses  
    • Replace damaged equipment promptly  

  • No Falls Week: A good time to review ladder safety 

    18th – 22nd May is #NoFallsWeek is a national campaign dedicated to reducing deaths and injuries caused by falls from height. impact HR is supporting the initiative by encouraging employers to: 

    • Review work at height procedures  
    • Inspect ladders and stepladders  
    • Deliver toolbox talks  
    • Share lessons from real incidents  
    • Reinforce safe behaviours  

    Ladders and stepladders are often used routinely and can be taken for granted. No Falls Week is an excellent opportunity to remind workers that even a short fall can have serious consequences. 

  • How impact HR can help 

    impact HR provides expert support with: 

    • Work at height risk assessments  
    • Health and safety policies and procedures  
    • Training and toolbox talks  
    • Site inspections and audits  
    • Accident investigations  

    Our experienced advisers can help your organisation reduce risk and comply with legal requirements.

Your Questions Answered

Everything you need to know about ladder safety at work

  • How often should ladders be inspected? Reveal

    Ladders should be checked before every use and inspected periodically to ensure ladder safety at work. 

  • Can ladders be used for long-duration tasks? Reveal

    No. They are intended for low-risk, short-duration work only. 

  • Is it safe to stand on the top step of a stepladder? Reveal

    No, unless the manufacturer specifically permits it. Employers should ensure staff are trained to recognise safe working positions and understand the ladder’s maximum standing height to ensure ladder safety at work. 

  • What should I do if a ladder is damaged? Reveal

    Remove it from service immediately and arrange repair or replacement. 

  • What alternatives are safer than ladders? Reveal

    When considering ladder safety at work, there are alternatives such as Podium steps, tower scaffolds and mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) that often provide a safer working platform. 

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Where to find out more A collection of hand-picked useful resources for ladder safety at work from impact HR and beyond

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