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.
Telescopic ladders are popular because they're compact and easy to transport. Many tradespeople keep one in their van for quick jobs or work in tight spaces.
However, the growing popularity of telescopic ladders has led to a flood of cheap imports sold through online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, Temu and similar sites. Unfortunately, not all of these products meet the safety standards for professional use.
The risks of low-quality telescopic ladders
Some low-cost telescopic ladders may look similar to reputable models, but the internal mechanisms and materials can be very different.
Potential issues include:
- Weak aluminium construction
- Unreliable locking mechanisms
- Poorly engineered joints
- Missing or misleading safety certification
If a ladder fails while you're several metres above the ground, the consequences can be severe. Falls from ladders remain one of the most common causes of workplace injuries in the UK.
Check for EN131-6 certification
If you're buying a telescopic ladder, one of the most important things to look for is compliance with EN131-6.
This European standard applies specifically to telescopic ladders and includes testing for:
- Structural strength
- Durability of locking mechanisms
- Stability during use
- Safe load capacity
A ladder that genuinely meets EN131-6 has been independently tested to ensure it can handle real working conditions.
If a ladder listing doesn't clearly state compliance with this standard, you should treat it as a warning sign.
Buy from a specialist ladder supplier
When it comes to equipment used for working at height, buying from a specialist supplier is always the safest option.
Dedicated ladder retailers typically stock products from reputable manufacturers and ensure that the equipment they sell meets recognised safety standards.
If you're looking for a reliable telescopic ladder, browse our range here:
SHOP TELESCOPIC LADDERS
Our telescopic ladders cost a little more than the cheap ones you can find elsewhere on the web, but saving a few pounds simply isn't worth the risk that your ladder will fail when you need it most.