An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a ladder safety risk assessment is
A ladder safety risk assessment considers whether a ladder or stepladder is suitable for a short-duration, low-risk task, or whether safer access is needed, and records how the ladder is selected, positioned, secured and used to reduce the risk of falls.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides what their ladder assessment must cover.
Purpose
- Decide whether a ladder is suitable or safer access is needed.
- Record ladder type, condition and positioning.
- Address securing, footing and three-points-of-contact use.
- Cover inspection and the limits of ladder work.
Who completes it
- A competent person appointed by the employer.
- With input from those who use ladders for the task.
- Reviewed within the organisation’s own process.
- It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the assessor is competent.
When it is used
- When considering ladders for a task at height.
- When the task, location or ladder changes.
- Following an inspection finding or near miss.
- On a review cycle defined by the employer.
Typical fields
- Task, duration and why a ladder is or is not suitable.
- Ladder type, condition and load rating.
- Positioning, footing, securing and angle.
- Use — three points of contact, no overreaching.
- Inspection and review date.
- Example fields only — adapt to the task and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Using a ladder for long or heavy tasks that need a platform.
- Unsecured or poorly footed ladders.
- Overreaching or carrying loads while climbing.
- Using damaged ladders that have not been inspected.
Document workflow
A ladder safety risk assessment links to the working at height risk assessment and the safe system of work, and to ladder inspection records. Findings feed instruction and toolbox talks; a change or inspection finding triggers a review.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with a ladder safety risk assessment.
Retention (high level)
Ladder assessments and inspection records are generally kept for as long as they are relevant and for a period afterwards, in line with the employer’s obligations. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction.
This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Ladder assessments are commonly completed and stored as PDFs alongside the work at height assessment and inspection records. Exporting to PDF supports documentation; it does not make the assessment official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Confirm a ladder is suitable before choosing it.
- Provide ladders in good condition and inspect them.
- Train people in safe positioning and use.
- Review when tasks or conditions change.
Worker notes
- Check the ladder before use and report damage.
- Secure and foot it properly and keep three points of contact.
- Do not overreach — get down and move the ladder.
Country considerations
Duties around ladder use and inspection vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is high-level and general — it is not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee that a document is valid anywhere.
Always confirm the current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for assessing and controlling ladder use and compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not determine what your assessment must contain, does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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