5 ladder safety tips for No Falls Week: protect your employees from falls at height

The hidden danger above ground

Ladders are a familiar sight in many workplaces - so much so that their risks can often be underestimated or overlooked. Despite being a routine tool, falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in the UK, with dozens of workers losing their lives each year. Thousands more suffer serious injuries, many of which involve ladders. It's a stark reminder that the most familiar tools can sometimes pose the greatest risks.

According to The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 50 workers died as a result of falls from height in 2023/24, making it the most common cause of fatal workplace accidents.¹ Notably, ladders are implicated in nearly 40% of these incidents.² Furthermore, non-fatal injuries from falls continue to represent a significant proportion of workplace accidents, with nearly 5,000 people suffering injuries in 2023/24 alone.³ These incidents affect not only physical wellbeing but also workplace productivity, morale, and long-term health.

In response, No Falls Week (12–16 May 2025) provides an opportunity for businesses to refocus on ladder safety and working at height, ensuring their teams stay informed, trained and protected. The campaign, spearheaded by the No Falls Foundation, aims to raise awareness about the importance of safe working at height.

But how do you go beyond basic compliance and create a genuinely safe working environment? Our five key tips will help you reassess your practices and engage your teams this No Falls Week.

1. Reevaluate ladder usage: is it truly necessary?

Before any task, question whether a ladder is the most appropriate equipment. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 stipulate that ladders should only be used when a risk assessment deems them suitable for low-risk, short-duration tasks.⁴ Consider alternatives like mobile scaffolds or elevated work platforms for tasks that are lengthy or involve higher risk.

2. How to select the right ladder for safe work at height

Not all ladders are created equal. Selecting the wrong one can pose just as much risk as using damaged or unstable equipment. When choosing a ladder, consider the type, height, material, and weight capacity required for the specific task at hand.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common ladder types and their ideal use cases:

• Step ladders: Self-supporting and ideal for indoor tasks like maintenance or light repair work. Read more about step ladder safety on the HSE website.⁵
• Extension ladders: Perfect for accessing rooftops or external walls; they must be secured and supported properly.
• Platform ladders: Offer added stability with a standing platform and are great for tasks requiring extended reach or tool use.
• Telescopic ladders: Compact and portable, ideal for mobile teams or light, occasional use. Choose models compliant with safety standard EN 131.⁶
• Fibreglass ladders: Non-conductive, making them the safest choice around electrical hazards.
• Roof ladders: Designed for sloped surfaces with ridge hooks for stability - commonly used by roofers and inspectors.

It’s also essential to check the maximum load rating (also called the ‘duty rating’) of a ladder, which includes the weight of the user plus any tools or equipment. For example, heavy-duty ladders with an industrial rating (150kg or more) should be used in commercial environments.

Finally, implement a routine inspection regime of your ladders. Regularly look for cracks, loose rungs, missing feet, or worn locking mechanisms and clearly tag ladders that are out of service.

For a helpful guide on ladder safety standards and selection, refer to:

• The Ladder Association – How to Select the Right Ladder
• The Health and Safety Executive – Working at Height: A Brief Guide

3. Ladder safety training for employees

Proper training is more than a box-ticking exercise - it’s a vital step in preventing injuries and saving lives. Employees need to understand not only how to set up and use ladders correctly, but also how to identify potential hazards, respond to emergencies, and make informed decisions on the ground. Regular refresher sessions help embed safe habits and demonstrate your organisation’s ongoing commitment to employee wellbeing.

Our Basic Ladder Safety Awareness online training course is a practical and accessible way to equip your team with essential knowledge. Designed to raise awareness of the common risks associated with ladder use, the course walks your employees through real-world scenarios and provides clear, actionable guidance on how to work safely at height. It’s a proactive step towards reducing incidents and showing your people that safety comes first.

For more detailed user training, we can recommend the Webbs Ladders & Steps Inspection Training Course, accredited by The Ladder Association.

4. Foster a culture of safety and accountability

Safety should be a collective responsibility. Encourage employees to report unsafe practices or equipment without fear of reprisal. Regular safety meetings and open communication channels can reinforce this culture, and a proactive approach can prevent accidents before they occur.

5. Engage with No Falls Week initiatives

No Falls Week offers a unique opportunity to spotlight ladder safety. Participate by organising safety workshops, toolbox talks, or demonstrations. Utilise resources provided by the No Falls Foundation to enhance these events. On their website, you can access factsheets, posters, infographics, videos and lots more, making it simple to distribute helpful information to your people. Active participation not only educates but also demonstrates your organisation's commitment to preventing falls from height.

Prioritise safety above all

The good news is that ladder-related incidents are preventable with the right measures in place. By reassessing your equipment usage, ensuring proper training amongst your people, fostering a safety-first culture, and engaging with initiatives like No Falls Week, your business can significantly reduce the risk of falls from height. The goal is simple: every employee should return home safely at the end of the day.