Does Using a Step Ladder Count as ‘Working at Height’?

If you use a step ladder at home for your general DIY or cleaning jobs, you may not think you need to take any precautions before you climb – after all, you’re only a couple of feet off the ground, so that surely isn’t considered ‘working at height’ right? Wrong! It is the risk of injury, not the height itself that defines ‘working at height’. Let’s dig into this a little further…

What Is the Definition of ‘Working at Height’?

Working at height is defined as any work in a place where, without precautions, a person could fall and suffer personal injury. This includes situations where there is a risk of falling from an edge, opening or fragile surface as well as any work above ground or floor level. It also includes any situation where there is a risk of falling from ground level into an opening or hole in the ground, even if the worker is at the lowest level.

Why Is Using a Step Ladder Considered ‘Work at Height’?

Using a step ladder is considered ‘work at height’ because it involves working at a level where a fall could cause personal injury, regardless of how low the height is. Even a fall from a few feet can cause serious injuries, so if you’re working on a step ladder, no matter how low, you must follow proper working at height precautions to avoid accidents.

How to Stay Safe While Using a Step Ladder

The following are safety measures for you to keep in mind to keep risks at a minimum while using a step ladder:

• Only use a step ladder if the task will take you less than 30 minutes and doesn’t require heavy tools.
  
  
• Always perform a thorough pre-use check before using the step ladder, inspecting it for any damage. If the step ladder is damaged in any way, it should be retired from use.
  
  
• Make sure that the ladder is positioned correctly on a firm, hard and level surface before you start to climb.
  
  
• When climbing, maintain three points of contact at all times.
  
  
• Never overreach for something while using the step ladder. Keep your belt buckle in the centre of the stiles at all times.
  
  
• Do not stand on the top three rungs of the step ladder.

Use the button below to browse our selection of step ladders and feel free to get in touch with us at Ladders UK Direct if you have any questions about working at height or step ladder safety!

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