Ladder Checks: A Small Inspection That Can Prevent a Serious Accident

Published By Peter Davies 

Ladder Checks: A Small Inspection That Can Prevent a Serious Accident

PMGS – Premises Management Group Surrey

Wednesday 16 September 2026

Ladders and stepladders are commonly used across schools, workplaces, commercial buildings and other managed premises. Although they may appear straightforward to use, damaged, unsuitable or incorrectly positioned ladders can lead to serious falls and injuries.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require work at height to be properly planned, appropriately supervised and undertaken by competent people using suitable equipment. A ladder may be appropriate for low-risk, short-duration work, but it should not automatically be the first choice for every task.

Pre-use checks

A visual check should be completed by the user at the beginning of the working day and whenever something may have affected the ladder’s condition—for example, if it has been dropped or moved between different surfaces.

Before using a ladder or stepladder, check:

• The stiles are straight and free from cracks, bends or other damage.
• The rungs or steps are secure, clean and not cracked, bent, loose or missing.
• The feet are present, clean, secure and not excessively worn.
• Locking mechanisms, hinges and spreader bars operate correctly.
• Tie rods, stays, rivets, welds and other fixings are secure.
• The platform on a stepladder is not split, buckled or damaged.
• The ladder is free from oil, paint, mud or other slippery substances.
• Safety labels and manufacturer information remain readable.
• There are no signs of unauthorised repairs or modifications.

If any defect is identified, the ladder must not be used.

Detailed recorded inspections

Pre-use checks are different from formal ladder inspections. Pre-use checks are completed for the immediate safety of the user and do not normally need to be recorded.

Employers should also arrange detailed visual inspections at suitable intervals. These inspections must be completed by a competent person and recorded. The frequency should reflect the manufacturer’s instructions, how frequently the ladder is used, its working environment and the findings of the organisation’s risk assessment.

A ladder should also be inspected following any event that may have affected its safety, including:

• Being dropped or struck by an object.
• Being overloaded or used incorrectly.
• Exposure to chemicals, excessive heat or severe weather.
• Damage during transportation or storage.
• A report of instability or unusual movement.

Inspection records should identify the ladder, inspection date, condition, defects found, action taken and the name of the competent inspector. Giving every ladder a unique identification number makes its inspection history easier to track.

What should happen when a defect is found?

A damaged ladder should be removed from service immediately.

It should be clearly labelled “DO NOT USE” and secured in a location where it cannot be used accidentally. The defect must be reported to the responsible manager and entered into the inspection record.

Repairs should only be undertaken where permitted by the manufacturer and completed by a competent or authorised person. A ladder must never be returned to service simply because a temporary repair appears to hold.

Where safe repair cannot be confirmed, the ladder should be disposed of in a way that prevents further use.

Safe ladder use

Passing an inspection does not automatically make a ladder suitable for every task. Before starting work, users should also consider:

• Whether a safer method, such as a podium step or mobile access tower, is available.
• The height, duration and complexity of the task.
• Whether the user can maintain three points of contact.
• Whether the ladder is on firm, level and stable ground.
• Whether doors, vehicles, pedestrians or pupils could enter the working area.
• Weather conditions when working outside.
• The ladder’s maximum load, including the user, tools and materials.
• Whether the ladder can be appropriately secured.
• Whether the user has received suitable information, instruction and training.

Never overreach, stand on prohibited steps, move a ladder while someone is on it or use improvised objects to increase its height.

Storage and control

Ladders should be stored securely in a clean, dry and well-ventilated location. Storage arrangements should prevent ladders from becoming warped, contaminated, damaged or accessed by unauthorised people.

A simple ladder register, supported by routine inspections and an effective defect-reporting process, can significantly improve equipment control across a premises estate.

The PMGS message

Check it before you climb it.

Ladder safety is not just about completing an inspection form. It is about ensuring that the correct equipment is selected, checked, maintained and used safely every time.

A few minutes spent checking a ladder could prevent a life-changing injury.

Further guidance is available from the Health and Safety Executive:

• Safe use of ladders and stepladders
• Checking a ladder before use
• Inspecting the condition of ladders

PMGS – Excellence in Premises Management for a Stronger Tomorrow

This article provides general safety guidance and should be read alongside your organisation’s risk assessments, procedures and the ladder manufacturer’s instructions.