Every year people are killed or injured while using ladders. Most accidents occur because ladders are not securely placed and fixed. Other causes are climbing ladders while carrying loads, over-reaching and over-balancing. This indicates that ladders are being used when other equipment would be safer.

Where work at height is necessary you will need to justify whether a ladder or stepladder is the most suitable access equipment compared to other access equipment options. You do this by using risk assessment and the hierarchy of controls. When considering whether it could be appropriate to use a ladder or stepladder, you need to consider many factors...