Warehouse Ladder Safety: A Quick Guide

Warehouses can be fast-paced and hectic environments where workers need to access high shelves quickly and efficiently. Ladders and steps are essential in warehouses as they facilitate access to high storage areas and promote an efficient workflow; however, improper use of ladders and steps can lead to serious injuries, which is why ensuring that all workers are educated on ladder safety is crucial.

To help you with educating your staff and others involved in warehouse operations, we have created this quick and easy guide to warehouse ladder safety – let’s get started!

Best Practices for Using Ladders in Warehouses

Before Use

Inspect the Ladder

Before using any kind of ladder, you should always carry out a full visual inspection. Look out for signs of damage and wear, like cracks, bent rungs, loose parts or worn feet. If the ladder shows any signs of damage, it should not be used and instead will need to be either repaired or replaced.

Clear the Surrounding Area

Ensure that the area surrounding the ladder is completely free of clutter, obstructions and any other hazards. If the area is particularly busy, you can use a barricade to keep foot traffic away from the ladder’s base.

Position the Ladder Safely

Your ladder will need to be positioned on a firm, dry and level surface. Before using the ladder, ensure that all feet have firm contact with the ground and that the ladder is stable and secure.

During Use

Three Points of Contact

You should always maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times. This can be either two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. You should always avoid carrying loads that prevent you from maintaining three points of contact.

The Belt Buckle Rule

This rule states that your belt buckle (or belly button) should always be within the side rails of the ladder while working. This prevents overreaching, which can cause the ladder to become unstable and lead to falls.

Never Stand on the Top Rungs

When using a ladder, you should never stand on the top three rungs as this can compromise the ladder’s stability and increase the risk of falling. The top rungs are also not designed for being stood on so there is a risk that they will buckle under the weight of the user.

Are There Ladders Made Specifically for Warehouses?

Yes! Warehouse steps, also known as industrial rolling ladders, are specifically designed for industrial warehouse and stock room settings. They typically have wider steps than traditional ladders and are designed to make it easier and safer for users to load and unload stock. Warehouse steps also tend to feature handrails and platforms for added stability and safety and wheels for easy mobility.

At Ladders UK Direct, we stock a range of warehouse steps that are designed specifically for industrial settings. Use the button below to browse our collection.

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