Ladder Safety

Falling from a ladder has been identified as one of the most common causes of injury. Every year, WorkSafe ACT receives reports of serious incidents where workers have fallen from ladders.

In one recent incident, a worker fell from their ladder while cleaning a roof and landed on his lower back and arm. Falls like these are usually serious and can result in a range of significant injuries such as abrasions, dislocated or fractured limbs, spinal cord damage or severe brain injury, and even death.

It is the responsibility of the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to ensure that all workers are suitably trained, equipped, and supervised for safe ladder use. Workers should also know what to do in the event of a dangerous incident or emergency.

Where possible, the PCBU should consider alternatives to a ladder, such as scaffolding or elevated work platforms. Anyone using a ladder is at risk, regardless of the ladder height. Only use ladders for simple access jobs and for a short duration. It’s best to work from ground level whenever possible. If a ladder is your only option, these safety precautions can be followed to avoid injury:

  • Always:
    • choose the right ladder, in the right way, for the right job
      • It should meet Australian standards and the load requirements of the job
      • A platform ladder is the safest option and should be used wherever possible
      • An A-frame or extension ladder should only be used where necessary
      • If on a sloping or unstable surface, use a ladder that includes ladder safety devices like leg levellers, anti-slip gutter guards and stabilisers
    • inspect the ladder for damage before each use
    • remain facing the ladder and at least three points of contact when climbing or descending a ladder
      • This means two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand including to the bottom rung before stepping off
    • ensure the combined weight of the person using the ladder and any items or tools do not exceed the working load limit on the ladder
    • secure an extension ladder at the top, bottom, or both
      • If this isn’t possible then have someone hold the ladder in place while in use.
    • maintain extension ladders at the correct angle at a ratio of 1:4.
      • That means positioning the base of the ladder 1 metre away from the structure for every 4 metres of height.
  • Only:
    • use a ladder if you are physically capable of doing so
    • use A-frame ladders properly locked in the fully open position
    • carry items that allow you to maintain three points of contact
  • Never
    • lean or reach away from the ladder while using it.
    • climb or work past the second-last rung of a ladder
    • straddle the top of an A-frame ladder.

Visit WorkSafe ACT’s Best practices for ladder usage page for more information.

Falls from height, even if they have not resulted in injury, are notifiable incidents and must be reported to WorkSafe ACT. PCBUs can call WorkSafe ACT on 13 22 81, after hours on 0419 120 028 or email at worksafe@worksafe.act.gov.au to notify an incident. Notification can also be made using the online form available on the WorkSafe ACT website.

On this page