Ladder Safety: Choosing and Maintaining Safe Equipment
This information, developed from NIG Risk Assist, is designed to encourage you to check the safety of your workplace tools and equipment. Use this blog to help your team understand how to choose and maintain safer products for your workplace.
Why Ladder Safety Matters
It’s not surprising that ladders account for around 40% of falls from height accidents reviewed by the HSE each year in UK workplaces. With an estimated two million ladders in daily use, safety is critical.
While human error contributes to many of these incidents, recent surveillance by the Ladder Association has revealed a worrying issue: many telescopic ladders on the market fail safety tests and are unsafe to use.
In fact, 82% of ladders tested against the EN 131-6 product standard were non-compliant and unsafe.
False Safety Claims by Manufacturers
Some importers take their obligations seriously and ensure their ladders meet product standards. However, many do not, misrepresenting compliance and ignoring legal duties—putting consumers at serious risk.
Independent safety testing by the Test & Research Centre confirmed that a significant number of telescopic ladders failed to meet BS EN 131 Part 6:2019, the UK equivalent of the European standard. Shockingly, some manufacturers even claimed falsely that their ladders complied.
What Does the Law Say?
In the UK, portable ladders (including telescopic models) are regulated under several frameworks depending on use. Compliance with a British (BS) or European (EN) standard provides a recognised level of safety.
Key points:
General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR): Products must be safe under normal or foreseeable conditions of use.
Manufacturers/Importers: Responsible for ensuring only safe products enter the market. Importers assume this responsibility for overseas goods.
Trading Standards: Local authorities enforce these laws.
How to Choose a Safe Ladder
Despite the risks, only 17% of consumers consider product safety before buying ladders, relying instead on trust in suppliers. Unfortunately, unsafe, non-compliant products are still widely sold.
To support safer working at height, the Ladder Association has produced guidance on telescopic ladders, covering:
Purchasing: Ensure ladders meet EN 131 product standards.
Using: Follow best practices for safe use at height.
Maintaining/Storage: Keep ladders in good condition through proper care.
Download the guide: Telescopic Ladders – Buying, Using, Maintaining (PDF)
