You must be competent to use a ladder at work. A competent person is someone who has relevant experience, knowledge and training.

A ladder must be inspected by the user before every time it is used.

Formal inspections must also take place. These inspections must be conducted by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The frequency of formal inspections depends on the level of risk.

The belt buckle rule is keeping your belt buckle (which contains the tools you need for the job) in a position that means you don’t lean to one side and overbalance the ladder.

The belt buckle should be positioned with the weight on the front of your torso, in between the ladder’s rails.

There is no legal maximum height for a ladder. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommend that there are landing areas or rest platforms when a ladder is 9 metres or more.

Most accidents on ladders are caused by human error which is why ladder safety training is so important.

You must always ensure you have three points of contact on a ladder. This means having two feet and one hand on the ladder or two hands and one foot.

If you need to use a tool that requires two hands it will usually be assessed as too risky.

A general safety guideline for ladder use is to ensure the ladder is stable, placed on a level surface, and positioned at the correct angle (1:4 ratio). The 1:4 ratio means the base of the ladder should be one unit (e.g., metre or foot) away from the wall for every four units of height to ensure stability.

Always maintain three points of contact, avoid overreaching, and inspect the ladder for damage before use.

Ladder safety is important to prevent falls, injuries, and fatalities, which are among the most common workplace accidents.

Following ladder safety guidelines helps ensure compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which require employers and workers to use equipment safely and minimise risks when working at height.

Even low-level falls can cause serious injuries if safety precautions are not followed. A ladder should still be used correctly and in line with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Risks must be assessed, and the ladder must be stable, properly positioned, and appropriate for the task.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 govern ladder use in the UK, requiring employers and workers to ensure ladders are suitable, stable, and used only for low-risk, short-duration tasks.

Ladders must be inspected regularly, positioned correctly, and users must maintain three points of contact while working.

Employers are also required to assess risks and provide proper ladder safety training.

The maximum weight you can carry up a ladder depends on the ladder’s rating, but most ladders in the UK are designed to support a combined weight (user plus any tools or materials) of 150kg (23.5 stone).

Always check the manufacturer’s specifications and avoid exceeding the ladder’s load capacity to ensure safety.

A harness is generally not required when working on a ladder for low-risk, short-duration tasks, if the ladder is stable and properly positioned.

However, if there is a risk of falling or the task involves extended periods or higher-risk work, a harness or other fall protection may be necessary under the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

A risk assessment should determine whether a harness is required.