5 Essential Ladder Safety Tips to Prevent Falls and Injuries
Ladder-related incidents continue to pose a significant safety risk, with thousands of injuries occurring annually across both domestic and occupational settings.
Recent safety data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals that in the year ended 30 June 2022, more than 6,200 Australians were hospitalised due to ladder falls. Men over 50 are disproportionately affected, with nearly 80% of hospitalisations involving males and 40% involving individuals aged 65 or older.
Contrary to common perception, the majority of ladder-related injuries occur in domestic settings rather than in workplace environments. However, occupational incidents involving ladders still contribute to lost productivity, compensation claims, and serious long-term injuries in high-risk industries such as construction and maintenance.
Falls, including those from ladders, represent a substantial portion of injury hospitalisations in Australia. In 2022–23, falls resulted in 238,055 hospitalisations, accounting for more than 2 in 5 (43.4%) of all injury hospitalisations.
5 Ladder Safety Tips You Need to Follow
1. Choose the Right Ladder for the Job
Selecting the correct ladder type ensures safer working conditions. Consider the following:
- Ladder type: Step ladders, extension ladders, and platform ladders serve different purposes.
- Weight capacity: Ensure the ladder supports both the worker and their tools.
- Material: Avoid using metal ladders near power lines—opt for fibreglass ladders instead.
2. Inspect the Ladder Before Use
A thorough pre-use inspection can prevent accidents. Always check for:
✔ Loose, damaged, or missing rungs
✔ Cracks, bends, or corrosion in the frame
✔ Broken locking mechanisms or missing feet
Unsafe ladders should be removed from service immediately. Implementing a digital checklist for ladder inspections ensures compliance with WHS standards.
3. Set Up the Ladder Correctly
A stable setup is crucial for safety. Follow these steps:
✔ Use the 4-to-1 rule—for every 4 metres of height, place the base 1 metre away from the wall.
✔ Secure the ladder—tie off the top and bottom to prevent movement.
✔ Ensure the ladder is on level ground—never use it on unstable or slippery surfaces.
4. Maintain Three Points of Contact
✔ Always keep two hands and one foot (or two feet and one hand) on the ladder.
✔ Face the ladder while climbing up or down.
✔ Avoid carrying heavy or bulky items—use a tool belt instead.
5. Avoid Overreaching
✔ Keep your body between the ladder’s side rails at all times.
✔ If you can’t reach, descend and reposition the ladder.
✔ Never lean too far—this can cause instability and tipping.
Ladder Safety Checklist
Example of a Ladder Safety Checklist:
Industry-Specific Ladder Safety Practices
Ladder safety varies by industry. Here are best practices for different work environments:
🏗️ Construction Industry
- Secure extension ladders to prevent shifting.
- Use scaffolding when working at significant heights.
- Follow site-specific ladder safety regulations.
🏠 Residential Maintenance
- Use step ladders for indoor work instead of extension ladders.
- Check for hazards such as wet floors and unstable furniture.
🌾 Agriculture & Farming
- Use ladders designed for uneven terrain.
- Regularly inspect ladders stored outdoors for weather damage.
Why Ladder Safety Training Is Essential
Proper ladder safety training ensures that workers:
✔ Recognise common hazards
✔ Use ladders correctly based on task requirements
✔ Follow emergency procedures in case of an accident
Employers should conduct regular ladder safety training as part of their WHS compliance strategy.
Emergency Response Plan for Ladder Accidents
A ladder incident response plan ensures that injured workers receive immediate care and accidents are documented for prevention strategies.
- Administer First Aid – Provide immediate medical attention for injuries.
- Report the Incident – log the accident details.
- Investigate & Implement Safety Improvements – Identify hazards and update ladder safety procedures.
Debunking Common Ladder Safety Myths
❌ Myth: “It’s safe to use the top step of a ladder.”
✔ Reality: Never stand on the top step—this increases the risk of falls.
❌ Myth: “Overreaching is fine if you’re careful.”
✔ Reality: Overreaching throws off balance, increasing the risk of tipping over.
❌ Myth: “Ladders can be used on any surface.”
✔ Reality: Ladders must be placed on stable, even ground to ensure safety.
Enhancing Ladder Safety with DIGI CLIP mobile forms
Regular ladder inspections are critical for workplace safety. DIGI CLIP mobile forms simplifies the inspection process by providing:
✅ Customisable digital checklists for ladder safety
✅ Real-time reporting of safety issues and hazards
✅ Automated compliance tracking for WHS regulations
✅ Cloud-based record-keeping for improved audit readiness
✔ No credit card required | ✔ Full feature access | ✔ Set up in minutes
Conclusion: Ladder Safety Saves Lives
Falls from ladders are a leading cause of workplace injuries—but they’re 100% preventable. By following proper ladder safety guidelines, ensuring adequate training, and using modern safety solutions like DIGI CLIP, businesses can:
✔ Reduce workplace injuries
✔ Maintain WHS compliance
✔ Improve inspection and reporting efficiency
Prioritising ladder safety today can prevent accidents tomorrow. Take action now and implement best practices in your workplace.
Explore More
🔎 Why Digital Checklists Improve Workplace Safety
🔎 From Paper to Digital: Compliance Tools for SMBs
🔎 Safety Culture in SMBs
FAQs
The most common causes of ladder accidents include:
- Incorrect ladder placement (unstable or uneven surfaces)
- Overreaching beyond the ladder’s side rails
- Failure to maintain three points of contact
- Using the wrong type of ladder for the job
- Climbing while carrying heavy objects instead of using a tool belt
Regular ladder safety training and inspections help mitigate these risks.
Ladders should be inspected before each use and undergo routine scheduled inspections based on workplace safety policies. Key things to check include:
✔ Loose, missing, or broken rungs
✔ Rust, cracks, or visible wear on the ladder frame
✔ Missing safety labels or weight limit indicators
✔ Proper locking mechanisms for extension ladders
Using DIGI CLIP mobile forms allows for digital ladder inspections, ensuring real-time reporting and compliance tracking.
For proper ladder positioning:
- Use the 4-to-1 rule (for every 4 metres of ladder height, place the base 1 metre away from the wall).
- Ensure the ladder rests on a level, stable surface.
- Secure the ladder’s top and bottom to prevent movement.
- Never place ladders on unstable objects (e.g., boxes, furniture, scaffolding).
These precautions reduce the risk of ladder tipping and falls.
A comprehensive ladder safety training program should cover:
✔ Types of ladders and their proper use
✔ Pre-use inspections to identify hazards
✔ Safe climbing techniques (three points of contact, facing the ladder)
✔ Emergency response procedures for ladder-related accidents
✔ Company-specific ladder safety policies and compliance requirements
Employers must ensure that ladder training is regularly updated to reflect the latest Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) guidelines.
If a ladder accident happens:
1️⃣ Administer First Aid – Assess the injured person and provide immediate medical attention.
2️⃣ Secure the area – Prevent further accidents by restricting access.
3️⃣ Document the incident – Use DIGI CLIP fobile forms to report details in real-time.
4️⃣ Investigate the cause – Identify potential safety violations and prevent future occurrences.
5️⃣ Update ladder safety protocols – Implement new measures if needed.
Developing a ladder emergency response plan ensures quick action in case of workplace injuries.
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