Myth: HSE has banned stepladders

April 2007

The reality

We have not banned stepladders - nor have we banned ladders! Despite this, the allegation is regularly repeated and some firms have fallen for the myth and acted upon it.

For straightforward, short duration work stepladders and ladders can be a good option, but you wouldn’t want to be wobbling about on them doing complex tasks for long periods. A large number of workers are seriously injured or killed using ladders and stepladders each year. So:

• Yes - we want people to use the right equipment for the job.
• Yes - there are some common-sense rules for using them safely.

• But no - we have not banned them!

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