» Back to listing HSE issues new guidance on safe use of ladders and stepladders

9th June 2022

HSE have issued new guidance on how, when and where to use ladders and stepladders safely.

Reaffirming that ladders and stepladders are not banned under health and safety law but stating that the law calls for a sensible, proportionate approach to managing risk, and ladders can be a sensible and practical option low-risk, short duration tasks, although they should not automatically be your first choice.

There are simple, sensible precautions you should take to stay safe when using portable leaning ladders and stepladders in the workplace.

Make sure that you use the right type of ladder and that you know how to use it safely.

The guidance covers the following:

1. Overview

2. How and when to use a ladder at work

3. How to check your ladder is safe before you use it

4. Types of ladder and using them safely

5. Where ladders should be used

6. Securing ladders and ladders used for access

7. Inspecting the condition of ladders

8. Product standards