A recent case reported by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has highlighted the very real dangers of improper ladder use.

Back in December 2023, a labourer in the West Midlands suffered serious injuries after falling from a ladder that had been placed across a stairwell opening. Following an HSE investigation, the Staffordshire-based construction firm that appointed the worker has been fined £16,000 (plus £4,000 in costs). On top of this, the company's director – who was working nearby when the incident occurred – has been fined £2,000 (plus £1,386 in costs).

A recent news report highlights the danger of using cheap, poorly-made telescopic ladders.

Photo credit: Mark Hunter (licensed under CC BY 2.0)

According to this Metro article, an electrician suffered broken ribs after falling around 15 feet onto a concrete floor when his telescopic ladder reportedly snapped in half. The ladder had been purchased online via Amazon.

Incidents like this are a serious reminder that when you're working at height, the quality of your ladder really matters.

Combination ladders are highly versatile tools that can transform between a stepladder, extension ladder and stairwell ladder using locking mechanisms.

PICTURED: Krause Light Trade Combination Ladder

This versatility makes combination ladders a little more complex to set up than standard, single-purpose ladders, but don’t fret! This blog will teach you how to use a combination ladder and break it down into easy steps.

Using a ladder to work on a roof can be incredibly dangerous without the right equipment. In fact, around 48,000 Brits take a trip to A&E every year as a result of a ladder accident in and around the home. Worse still, the number of ladder-related fatalities also makes for seriously grim reading.

So, whether you’re repairing tiles or cleaning gutters, a roof ladder is an essential tool for safety and stability and knowing how to use one correctly can significantly reduce the risk of potentially life altering accidents.

In general, attic ladders are just as safe as other ladders, but their safety depends heavily on proper installation, maintenance and correct usage. In fact, attic ladders are safer to use than makeshift alternatives like step ladders because they are permanently installed, stable and incorporate dedicated safety features like handrails and locking mechanisms.

To find out more about what makes attic ladders safe and how you can ensure safety when using them, keep reading this blog!