Person up ladder leaning sideways to paint

Leaning Ladders

The worker is overreaching when they should be moving the ladder nearer to the job. Remember - the ladder leans, not you!

Top Tips for using leaning ladders:

  • Check that a leaning ladder is right for the job. Ladders shouldn't be used for long duration jobs or jobs with strenuous movement and heavy loads. You could use a podium or tower scaffold for these jobs.
  • Check the positioning. If the ground is uneven or sloping use a levelling device so both feet are on the ground or use different access equipment.
  • Be aware of doorways or opening windows. Stay well clear of overhead power lines.
  • Try to maintain three points of contact on a ladder - both feet on the same rung, one hand on the ladder or work surface and your belt buckle between the stiles.
  • Make sure the ladder is in good repair.

To learn more about using ladders safely, visit this page.

Use the links below to download posters for your workplace. Please make sure you place them at head height.
Download Poster 1
Download Poster 2

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