BWF members such as yourselves frequently use our Member and Technical Helplines for assistance on a wide range of Employment, Health and Safety, Pay and Technical issues. We’re putting up a frequently asked question every Tuesday in order to help members and illustrate the type of advice we are able to provide. If you have any questions that you would like to see featured, we would be happy to assist. This question and many others like it can be found in our Question Centre. If you want further advice on any of the issues, don’t hesitate to ring the helpline or browse our extensive publications library, which includes our Machine Safety Cards, Health and Safety Policy Statements, and guidance notes on preparing a risk assessment. This week: I have an employee who frequently works up a ladder. What safety requirements should I follow? The use of ladders is covered by a number of regulations but the prime one is the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended). They require that ladders should only be considered where a risk assessment has shown that the use of other more suitable work equipment is not appropriate because of the low risk, and short duration of the task or considerations of where the work is located. HSE accept the practicalities of the use of ladders for work at height, and the fact that they are commonly used in a wide variety of situations. Ladders are used in almost all employment sectors, sometimes for purposes other than those for which they were designed. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended) apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. They place duties on employers, the self-employed, and any person who controls the work of others (e.g. facilities managers or building owners who may contract others to work at height) to the extent they control the work. Schedule 6 corresponds to the requirements for ladders and states:
1. Every employer shall ensure that a ladder is used for work at height only if a risk assessment under regulation 3 of the Management Regulations has demonstrated that the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and
– the short duration of use; or
– existing features on site which he cannot alter. The HSE has prepared a guidance document for employers on the safe use of ladders and stepladders. You can find this by clicking here. We recommend that any employee who has to use a ladder is made aware of the potential risks involved and be given a copy of the guide (and a signature obtained). It would also be wise to ensure that he or she has read and understood the guidance.