Educational guidance on how workplace induction and safety instruction generally work — connected to workplace safety, occupations, industries, employment documents and company types. Informational only — not certified training, not an official qualification and not a substitute for mandatory workplace instruction; employers remain responsible for required training, competence and authorisation.
What this instruction covers
This page outlines, in general educational terms, the safety information around ladders and stepladders — when they are a suitable choice, how they should be set up and used, and the checks involved.
It is awareness material, not training. The employer must assess whether a ladder is the right access equipment for a task and provide instruction for its safe use.
Why ladder safety matters
- Ladders are involved in many falls, often from short heights.
- They are misused for jobs that need a safer working platform.
- Slips, overreaching and unstable footing are common causes of falls.
- A ladder set up on a poor surface or angle can slide or topple.
Who this is for
- Workers who use ladders or stepladders for short tasks.
- Maintenance, trades, warehouse and facilities staff among others.
- Supervisors who decide when a ladder is the right equipment.
- New starters before task-specific instruction on ladder use.
The safe system of work
- Use a ladder only for short-duration, low-risk work where it is suitable.
- Set a leaning ladder at the correct angle on firm, level ground and secure it.
- Maintain three points of contact and do not overreach — move the ladder instead.
- Use a stepladder square and locked, and avoid the top steps unless designed for it.
Required controls & equipment
- A ladder of the right type, class and length for the task.
- Footwear with good grip and clean, dry rungs.
- Stabilisers, ties or a second person footing the ladder where needed.
- Exclusion of the area below where there is a risk of falling objects.
Pre-use checks
- Stiles, rungs, feet and any locking mechanisms for damage or wear.
- That the ladder is clean, dry and free of slippery contamination.
- The ground and resting surface are firm, level and non-slip.
- Do not use a damaged or makeshift ladder — report and replace it.
What this instruction does and does not cover
- It covers safe ladder use for suitable, short-duration tasks only.
- It does not authorise ladder use where a safer platform is required.
- It does not cover specialist access such as towers or MEWPs, which need separate training.
- Follow the method and equipment your employer’s assessment specifies.
What to do if something is wrong
- Stop and report a damaged ladder or unsafe set-up.
- Report tasks where a ladder is not the right or safe choice.
- Report near misses such as slips or a ladder moving.
- Follow the site’s reporting route so the issue is addressed.
Training & competence
Employers are generally expected to ensure ladder users are competent — given instruction and, where needed, training so they can use, check and set up a ladder safely for the task.
Instruction such as this page is information, not competence. Reading it does not make anyone competent; that comes from task-specific instruction, practice and the employer’s assessment of when a ladder is suitable.
Documentation
- The risk assessment justifying a ladder for the task.
- Ladder inspection records and records of instruction given.
- Defect reports and records of ladders taken out of use.
- A record documents what was done; it is not, by itself, proof of competence.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a ladder for a job that needs a proper working platform.
- Overreaching instead of moving the ladder.
- Setting a ladder on a poor surface or at the wrong angle.
- Using a damaged ladder rather than reporting and replacing it.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for deciding whether a ladder is suitable, providing the right equipment and instruction, ensuring users are competent, and keeping inspection records. This page is an educational outline only.
It does not deliver training, satisfy any legal requirement, or transfer the employer’s responsibility for safe access and work at height.
Free, printable HR & employment resources
Practical, ungated resources to put this into action — no signup.