Risk Assessment: Using Ladders¶
Document Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Document Reference | RA07 |
| Issue Number | 2 |
| Issue Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Next Review | 1 June 2027 |
| Prepared By | Sean Ashton |
| Approved By | Aaron Mason, Director |
Risk Assessment Table¶
| Activity/Process | Hazard | Who/What Affected | Existing Controls | Pre-Control Risk (S/L/R) | New Controls Required | Post-Control Risk (S/L/R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selection of appropriate ladder for the task | Selection of incorrect or unsuitable ladder type for the intended task | Users of ladders could suffer injury from falls due to ladder instability, structural failure, or inappropriate use • Others in the vicinity could be injured by falling ladders or falling users | • Tasks assessed to determine most appropriate access equipment • Ladders only used for short duration, low-risk work • Only industrial class ladders (Class 1 or EN131) used on site • Ladders chosen with appropriate height, extending at least 1m above landing point • Consideration given to materials and length when working near overhead cables |
4/3/12 (High) | • Develop formal ladder selection flow chart • Implement mandatory pre-use risk assessment • Provide training on ladder selection criteria Health & Safety Manager, within 1 month Leanne Mason, within 2 months |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
| Inspection of ladders before use | Use of defective or damaged ladders | Users could suffer serious injury or death from falls due to ladder failure • Others in vicinity could be injured by falling ladder components or users | • All ladders have means of identification • Competent person inspects before use checking for: twisted/bent/damaged stiles, cracked/worn/bent/loose rungs, missing/damaged tie rods, damaged/missing feet • Weekly documented inspections carried out • Defective ladders immediately removed from service and tagged • Pre-use visual checks by users before each use |
4/3/12 (High) | • Implement color-coded tagging system for inspection status • Develop detailed inspection checklist with visual guides • Maintain central register of all ladders with inspection histories • Provide refresher training on ladder inspection Health & Safety Manager, within 1 month Site Supervisor, immediate Leanne Mason, every 6 months |
4/1/4 (Low) |
| Transportation and handling of ladders | Manual handling injuries during transportation • Damage to ladders during transport • Contact with overhead power lines while carrying | Personnel could suffer musculoskeletal injuries • Users and others could be injured if transport damage compromises ladder integrity • Personnel could suffer electric shock if ladder contacts overhead lines | • Personnel trained in correct manual handling techniques • Two-person carrying used for longer ladders • Ladders carried horizontally with front end elevated • Vehicles equipped with appropriate ladder storage systems • Routes planned to avoid overhead power lines |
4/3/12 (High) | • Provide dedicated ladder trolleys for longer/heavier ladders • Implement mandatory two-person carrying for ladders over 3m • Develop specific manual handling training for ladder transportation • Install ladder racks on all site vehicles Procurement Department, within 1 month Site Supervisor, immediate Leanne Mason, within 2 months Aaron Mason, within 3 months |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
| Setting up and positioning ladders | Incorrect positioning or inappropriate angle leading to instability • Unstable or uneven ground conditions • Positioning near hazards (doors, vehicle routes, overhead lines) | Ladder users could suffer injuries from falls if ladder becomes unstable or is knocked • Others in vicinity could be struck by falling ladders or users | • Ladders set up at correct angle (75 degrees or 1 in 4 ratio) • Ground conditions checked - firm, level, free from loose material • Ladder feet in good condition and appropriate for surface • Ladders secured at top where possible, or at bottom/footed by second person • Not positioned where they can be struck by doors/vehicles/pedestrians • Exclusion zones created where appropriate • Pre-use environment checks for hazards |
4/3/12 (High) | • Provide ladder angle indicators for all ladders • Implement formal ladder positioning checklist • Develop site-specific ladder positioning plans for regular work areas • Provide additional training on securing methods and ground assessment Procurement Department, within 1 month Health & Safety Manager, within 1 month Site Supervisor, ongoing Leanne Mason, within 2 months |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
| Accessing excavations using ladders | Instability of ladders in excavations • Collapse of excavation edge when accessing • Falls while entering or exiting excavations | Ladder users could suffer falls when entering/exiting excavations • Users could be injured by ladder movement or excavation collapse | • Ladders extend at least 1m above landing point • Ladders secured to prevent movement during use • Excavation edges inspected before ladder placement • Alternative access used for high-risk or deep excavations • Ladder base positioned on firm, level ground within excavation • Access/egress points kept clear of materials • Only one person uses ladder at a time |
4/3/12 (High) | • Implement regular inspections of excavation access points during daily site walks • Develop specific access protocols for different excavation types and depths • Provide enhanced training on safe excavation access Site Supervisor, daily Health & Safety Manager, within 1 month Leanne Mason, within 2 months |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
| Climbing and working from ladders | Falls from height due to overreaching, loss of balance, or carrying loads while climbing • Ladder movement during use • Contact with overhead services | Ladder users could suffer serious injury or death from falls • Others in vicinity could be injured by falling tools or materials | • Users maintain three points of contact when ascending/descending • Tools/materials carried in belt or pouch, leaving hands free • Work planned to minimize carrying items up/down ladders • Users instructed not to overreach - keep belt buckle within stiles • Ladders not used for work requiring substantial force • Users always face ladder when climbing • Ladder stability checked before each use • Pre-use assessment considers proximity to overhead services |
4/3/12 (High) | • Implement mandatory tool tethering policy for work at height • Provide tool belts and pouches to all regular ladder users • Consider ladder stabilisers or stand-offs for frequently used locations • Develop specific ladder use protocol including maximum height for ladder work Health & Safety Manager, immediate Procurement Department, within 1 month Site Supervisor, ongoing evaluation |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
| Storage and maintenance of ladders | Deterioration of ladder condition due to poor storage or lack of maintenance • Unauthorised use of ladders | Users could be injured if ladders deteriorate and fail during use • Unauthorised users may lack training, increasing injury risk | • Ladders stored in dry, well-ventilated areas protected from elements • Stored horizontally on racks with sufficient support points • Not stored where they can be damaged by vehicles/materials • Regular maintenance per manufacturer's instructions • Defective ladders immediately removed from service • Access to stored ladders restricted to authorized personnel |
3/3/9 (Moderate) | • Establish dedicated ladder storage areas at all work locations • Develop formal ladder maintenance schedule • Implement secure storage systems to prevent unauthorised access • Maintain check-out/check-in system for ladder use Site Supervisor, within 1 month Health & Safety Manager, within 1 month |
3/2/6 (Moderate) |
| Training and competence for ladder use | Use of ladders by untrained or inexperienced personnel | Untrained users at higher risk of falls and injuries • Others in vicinity could be injured by falling ladders or users | • All ladder users receive training in selection, inspection, and safe use • Training includes practical demonstrations and supervised practice • Competence assessed before independent use authorized • Regular toolbox talks include ladder safety refreshers • Supervisors monitor ladder use for compliance |
4/2/8 (Moderate) | • Develop formal ladder use competence assessment with practical evaluation • Implement ladder user authorisation system with identification cards • Provide regular refresher training at least annually • Conduct random observation of ladder use with feedback Leanne Mason, within 2 months HR Department, within 3 months Health & Safety team, monthly |
4/1/4 (Low) |
Key:¶
- S = Severity (1-5 scale)
- L = Likelihood (1-5 scale)
- R = Risk Rating (S × L)
- Risk Levels:
- Low (1-3)
- Moderate (4-8)
- High (9-15)
- Very High (16-25)
Related Documents¶
- EN131: European Standard for Ladders
- Class 1: British Standard for Industrial Ladders