Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal workplace accidents in Great Britain. The latest HSE figures show that 31 workers died following falls from height in 2025/26, accounting for around a quarter of all worker fatalities.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 set requirements for planning and managing work at height, including the selection, positioning and securing of ladders.
This guide explains the legal requirements and HSE guidance for using ladders for roof access and roof work, with practical information on selecting and securing equipment, ladder positioning and angles, roof ladders and working around fragile surfaces.
Can you use a ladder to access a roof?
Under Schedule 6 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, ladders can be used where a risk assessment shows that more suitable equipment is not justified because the work is low risk and short duration, or because of existing workplace features.
HSE guidance on roof work confirms that properly secured access ladders and roof ladders may be suitable for some short-duration work on sloping roofs.
Before selecting a ladder, consider:
- The task – consider the duration and complexity of the work and the area that needs to be reached.
- Tools and materials – consider what needs to be taken onto the roof and whether this can be done while maintaining safe use of the ladder.
- The roof – assess its pitch, condition and strength, including rooflights and other fragile surfaces.
- Fall protection – identify how falls from roof edges, openings and fragile surfaces will be prevented.
- Weather conditions – consider whether wind, rain, ice or other conditions could make the work unsafe.
- Competence – anyone using a ladder at work must be competent or, if undergoing training, supervised by a competent person.
Where a ladder is not suitable, equipment such as scaffolding, a tower scaffold or mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) may provide a safer option.
How to position a ladder onto a roof
Schedule 6 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 requires a ladder to rest on a stable, firm surface and be positioned so that it remains stable during use.
For a leaning ladder onto a roof:
- Use firm, level ground – both feet should be properly supported and in contact with the ground.
- Choose a suitable upper support – the ladder should rest against a surface capable of supporting it. Avoid fragile or insecure surfaces such as plastic guttering.
- Allow sufficient length – HSE guidance recommends that a ladder used to access another level extends at least 1 metre above the landing point to provide a secure handhold.
- Consider the transition onto the roof – the user should be able to move safely between the ladder and roof without being exposed to an uncontrolled risk of falling.
Where the ladder cannot rest safely against a strong upper surface, a suitable ladder stay or stability device may be required. Accessories should be suitable for the ladder and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
What angle should a ladder be?
HSE guidance recommends the 1-in-4 rule for leaning ladders, giving an angle of approximately 75 degrees.
For every four units of vertical height, the base should be approximately one unit out from the supporting surface. For example, a ladder supported at a height of 4 metres should have its base around 1 metre from the wall.
This positioning also supports the requirement in Schedule 6 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 for ladders to remain stable during use.
How should a ladder be secured for roof access?
Schedule 6 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 requires portable ladders to be prevented from slipping during use.
HSE guidance recommends tying both stiles to a suitable point. Where this is not practicable, an effective stability device or another suitable method can be used. Footing the ladder should be a last resort.
Before climbing:
- Check the feet – they should not be missing, worn or damaged and should be in full contact with the ground. Do not use bricks, blocks or other makeshift materials to level the ladder.
- Inspect the stiles and rungs – check for bent or damaged stiles and worn, loose, bent or missing rungs. HSE’s pre-use check guidance provides further details.
- Check ties and stability devices – make sure they are correctly fitted, secure and in good condition.
- Check the surrounding area – consider doors, pedestrians, vehicles and other activities that could affect the ladder or the person using it.
A pre-use check should be carried out at the beginning of the working day and again if something happens that could affect the ladder’s condition.
Is a roof ladder different from an access ladder?
A leaning ladder provides access to the roof, while a purpose-made roof ladder provides support for moving or working on a sloping roof.
HSE roof work guidance recognises properly secured access ladders and proper roof ladders as suitable equipment for some short-duration work on sloping roofs.
Often referred to as a roof hook ladder or ridge ladder, a roof ladder is designed to rest securely on the roof slope. Depending on its design, it may incorporate a ridge hook or other securing arrangement. It should be suitable for the particular roof and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A standard leaning ladder should not be used as a makeshift roof ladder.
How do you use a roof ladder?
Safe use of a roof ladder depends on the equipment, roof construction and work being undertaken. Manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed.
Before using one:
- Provide safe access to the roof – use a suitable and properly secured means of reaching roof level.
- Assess the roof – establish its construction, condition and whether it can support the equipment and user.
- Position the roof ladder correctly – place it on the roof in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Secure it as designed – make sure any ridge hook or other securing arrangement is correctly positioned and engaged before use.
- Provide fall protection – use suitable measures to protect against falls from roof edges and other areas where a person could fall.
Anyone using a roof ladder at work should be trained and competent to use the equipment safely.
Can ladders with roof hooks be used on any roof?
A roof hook ladder needs to be suitable for the particular roof and the work being undertaken.
Consider the roof’s pitch, construction, surface condition and strength, as well as the design and limitations of the ladder. Manufacturer’s instructions should be followed for matters such as positioning, permitted roof pitches and maximum loads.
Never improvise a hook or other attachment to convert an ordinary ladder into a roof ladder.
Can you use a roof ladder on a fragile roof?
HSE guidance on fragile surfaces says work on or near fragile surfaces should be avoided where reasonably practicable, for example by working from below or using a MEWP.
Where access onto or near a fragile surface cannot be avoided, suitable platforms, coverings, guardrails or other measures may be needed to prevent a fall. Where a fall cannot be prevented, measures must be taken to minimise the distance and consequences.
Rooflights should also be considered. They may be fragile or difficult to distinguish from the surrounding roof, so their ability to support a person’s weight should never be assumed.
Can you put a ladder on a house roof?
Where work is being carried out on a domestic property as part of a trade or business, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply in the same way as they do to other work at height.
The appropriate equipment will depend on the work. A purpose-made roof ladder may be suitable for some short-duration work on a pitched roof, provided the risk assessment supports its use and suitable measures are in place to prevent falls.
For longer-duration or more extensive work, or where significant tools and materials are required, scaffolding or another suitable working platform may be more appropriate.
Ladder safety training
Our Ladder Safety Training provides practical guidance on ladder safety at work, including pre-use checks, common defects, correct positioning and securing, safe use and the precautions needed to reduce the risk of falls.
Developed by experienced health and safety professionals, the online course is IOSH Approved and CPD Certified and can be completed at a time and place that suits the learner.
Find out more about Ladder Safety Training on our website or contact our friendly team today on 0203 011 4242 / [email protected]
Adam Clarke
Managing Director (Consulting)
