Ladders

Ladders are a common cause of worksite injury. There are hundreds of uses for ladders on a construction site, and just about as many ways to have an accident.

Falling from a ladder can be fatal, even a two metre ladder can injure, maim or kill.

In Australia from 2008 to 2011, 123 construction workers died from work-related injuries.

Falls from height accounted for 25% of fatalities (31 deaths) with ladders involved in 11 of the deaths.

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction every year. These deaths are preventable.

The most common causes of ladder accidents are:

• an inappropriate ladder is chosen for the task (too tall or short, extension or step ladder, load limit etc);
• a damaged ladder (broken feet, cracked frame, greasy rungs etc) is used;
• ladders used inappropriately (not supported properly, used horizontally, hazards surrounding the ladder including slippery surfaces, incorrect positioning etc);
• ladders bumped by other workers; and,
• ladders used or transported around live electrical hazard.

Any worker can be injured using a ladder. Be sure to take appropriate precautions when using ladders or working in their vicinity.

Roles and responsibilities

Quick guide to fall prevention

• Select the correct ladder for the job.
• Ensure ladder is at the correct angle.
• Secure the ladder or have it footed.
• Always maintain three points of contact.
• Always face the ladder
• Train everyone in the safe use of the equipment.
• Assess the risks to get the job done safely.
• Provide the right ladder and equipment.
• Don't stand on the top or the top step of a step ladder.
• Don't overreach.
• Don't place the ladder on uneven footing.

Ladder safety for residential construction

Plan ahead for the job and inspect ladders before use

First, can the task be done safely from a ladder? If not, use scaffolding or an elevated work platform. If using ladders:

• Select the right ladder for the job for example self-supporting, step ladder straight, or extension ladder.
• Check the duty rating label on the ladder. Don’t overload.
• Heavy-duty industrial ladders (type 1 or 1A), can only carry up to 120 kilograms or 150 kilograms combining the worker and their tools.
• Check the ladder for loose, cracked or greasy rungs, split stiles, and damaged feet. Make sure the latching hooks are engaged after each extension.
• Tag and remove defective ladders from the job site.
• Don’t use a ladder in a horizontal position as a scaffold.
• Call the network operator (ActewAGL) for assistance if working near power lines to prevent electrocution.

Fact: It only takes one second to hit the ground from a 5 metre fall. Over half of the fatal falls in construction are from heights of less than 8 metres.

Setting up ladders

• Clear away debris and obstructions, and barricade the area around the bottom of the ladder to prevent it from being bumped into.
• Set the ladder on dry, level ground. Use the 'heel test' to check firmness of the ground. Stomp your heel down and if it goes into the ground more than 25 millimetres, a base is needed under the ladder footing.
• If a base is needed, set it on a secure, even surface. Plywood can be used if it is dry, clean and sturdy enough to support the expected load.
• Set the base of the ladder at a distance of 1 metre out for every 4 metres high.
• When accessing a porch or roof, extend ladder side rails 1 metre above landing. Stabilise the ladder by tying it to building.

Climbing ladders

• Allow only one person on the ladder at a time. Always face the ladder.
• Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times. Two hands and one foot, or one hand and two feet.
• Use a tool belt or hoist to lift tools. Never carry tools or materials in hand while ascending or descending the ladder.

Working from ladders

• Keep your hips centered between ladder stiles at all times.
• To help keep your balance, don’t pull, lean, stretch, or make sudden movements while on the ladder.
• Work can be performed more quickly and easily if you don’t overreach. Always climb off and reposition the ladder.
• Do not work from the top three rungs of an extension ladder.
• If a ladder must be placed in front of a door, secure the door shut so it cannot be open.
• Use ladder stabilizers when required.

Maintain ladders

• Change the feet of the ladder as required.
• Lubricate metal bearings, locks and pulleys regularly.

Fact: A fall from a ladder can leave you severely injured for life. With this kind of injury, you might not be able to take care of yourself or your family.

Train your workers

Though used every day, ladders are often taken for granted. They are a major cause of injury. Ladders are complicated tools, and training and instruction is required. Make sure you and your workers understand, assess the risks and follow safe work procedures.

Checklist for Working with Ladders

Use the right ladder

• Use a ladder that is standards approved. Look for a label showing that it meets Australian Standards (AS/NZS) safety requirements.
• Ensure the ladder is in good condition – no broken, loose or damaged parts.
• Use a ladder of the right length. The stiles should extend at least 1 metre, above the platform to be reached.
• Use a ladder that has the correct loading capability for you and the job.
• Never splice two ladders together.
• There should never be more than one person at a time on a ladder.
• Don't use a metal ladder near any live electrical parts or within specified distances of high voltage powerlines.

Ladder position

• Always set the ladder up 1 metre out from the structure for every 4 metres of ladder length.
• Wherever possible the ladder should extend 1 metre above the structure it is leaning on.

Prevent slipping

• Place the ladder on a firm, level surface where it cannot slip.
• Use a ladder with safety feet, especially if you're setting it on a smooth floor.
• Always secure a portable ladder. Tie it off to a permanent structure, use ladder devices or block it.
• Make sure the ladder's supports (feet and upper rungs) and your shoes are free of grease and mud.
• If the ladder is leaning against a smooth surface, have wall grips on the risers to prevent side slipping or tie the head of the ladder off.
• Make sure the ladder is leaning against something secure (not a gutter, window sash, window pane, or anything that can move or break).
• Don't set a ladder on top of boxes or other movable objects.
• Never use a ladder in high winds.
• Barricade a ladder if it is in an area where it could get bumped. For example, don't use a ladder in front of a door that might open, unless the door is locked or there is a barricade or guard.
• Make sure your ladder is at the correct angle to ensure it is not too steep and not too horizontal.

Prevent falls

• Use a ladder with non-skid treads (or a non-skid coating) on the rungs.
• Make sure the rungs and your shoes are free of mud, grease, and other slippery material.
• Don't lean out – keep your hips between the stiles.
• When ascending or descending a ladder, always face the ladder and maintain three points of contact.
• Don't try to adjust an extension ladder when you're standing on it or on a surface above it.
• Don't stand or work on the top three rungs of a single ladder or extension ladder.
• Don't step on any rung above a ladder's upper support area. It may cause the bottom of the ladder to kick out.
• Do not stand on the top step unless there is a platform with secure handrails.
• If you use a stepladder, make sure it is fully open and locked in position.

Carrying tools up a ladder

• Use a tool belt to keep your hands free.
• Raise and lower equipment and materials up with a hauling line.

Moving ladders

• When moving a ladder from one position to another, always ensure it is folded down and carried horizontally.
• Always check for obstacles at height such as electrical wires, scaffolding and other hazards.

Know where you are

• Ensure all workers on the site know the address of the worksite so that if an emergency situation occurs they can direct emergency services to the location.

How to assess a site with ladders

Many worksites require the use of ladders to complete the necessary work. But many don't.

When you want to reach a higher work area, think about the best equipment to use. While a ladder or stepladder is commonly used, it may not always be the best option.

Is a ladder my best option?

Ask yourself these questions before deciding on using a ladder:

• Will I have to hold heavy items while on the ladder?
• Is the elevated area high enough that it would require a long ladder that can be unstable?
• Will I be working from this height for a long time?
• Do I have to stand on the ladder sideways in order to do this work?

If your answer is yes to one of the above questions, consider using something other than a ladder. If possible, bring in other equipment like a scissor lift.

Ensuring safe ladder use

It’s also important to determine whether the site is safe for ladder use:

• Is the area around the ladder safe, free from obstructions, doorways, electrical hazards, stairways etc?
• Is the ground where the ladder is to be used flat, stable, firm and dry?
• Is there a fixed object the ladder can be anchored to for additional support?
• Is there adequate space around the ladder to ensure it can be 1 metre out from the structure for every 4r metres of height.
• Look for unusual and unexpected hazards. During repair and renovation work electrical wiring can become loose or severed creating a serious electrical hazard. Structures that appear stable may not be.

Real stories

Every year many Australians are hurt or killed through improper ladder use. The following are some local examples of such incidents.

Case study one

A worker involved in shop upgrade works at Southland Shopping Centre was standing about 1.45 metres up a ladder when he lost his balance, fell against a wall, hit his head and slid to the ground. He died in hospital three days later. The shop fitting company was fined $100,000.

Case study two

A 20 year old electrical apprentice is in hospital after falling 5 metres at a worksite in Canberra’s south. The man was up a ladder conducting maintenance work on a garage roller door when he received an electric shock from a live wire. He fell 5 metres to the ground and sustained serious head injuries.

Case study three

A housepainter was taken to hospital with suspected spinal injuries and broken bones after a 4 metre fall from a ladder at a house he was painting in O'Connor.

Case study four

A young women hurt in Kingston site accident whilst working as an electrical apprentice suffered an electric shock at an apartment site. The young woman, who was working for a local company, was taken to the Canberra Hospital after she received the shock while working at an apartment site on the Kingston foreshore. Early investigations suggested the fourth year apprentice was working alone on a platform ladder and received an electric shock by a live circuit that she believed had been switched off.

Ladder safety resource

For further information, please visit the Ladder Safety Matters Campaign website.