Ladders are one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment in Australian workplaces. From offices and warehouses to schools, retail stores, hospitality venues and construction sites, workers often use ladders for routine tasks such as changing lights, accessing storage, maintenance work and inspections.

Unfortunately, ladders are also involved in many workplace injuries every year. Falls from Heights make up 13% for workplace fatalities second only to vehicle accidents. A fall from even a relatively low height can result in serious injuries including fractures, spinal injuries and head trauma. In many cases, these incidents occur because the wrong ladder was selected, the ladder was set up incorrectly, or workers had not been properly trained in safe ladder use.

Online ladder safety training helps workers understand ladder hazards, safe work practices and inspection requirements before using ladders in the workplace.

Why is Ladder Safety Important?

Many people assume ladders are low-risk because they are so common. However, portable ladders are actually considered one of the least stable methods of working at height. WorkSafe Victoria states that ladders should generally only be used for:

• Short duration tasks
• Light work
• Temporary access or egress
• Situations where safer alternatives are not reasonably practicable

Businesses have legal duties under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety legislation to provide a safe workplace and reduce the risk of falls wherever reasonably practicable.

What are Common Causes of Ladder Incidents?

Some of the most common ladder safety issues include:

• Using damaged or domestic-grade ladders in workplaces
• Incorrect ladder angle or unstable ground
• Standing too high on the ladder
• Overreaching sideways
• Carrying tools while climbing
• Using ladders for tasks better suited to scaffolds or elevated work platforms
• Lack of training or supervision

Even experienced workers can develop unsafe habits over time, which is why refresher training is valuable.

How do I Choose the Right Ladder?

Not all ladders are suitable for every task. WorkSafe Victoria recommends selecting ladders based on the task, duration, environment and stability required.

Common workplace ladder types include:

Platform Ladders

These provide improved stability and fall protection and are generally safer than standard A-frame ladders.

A-Frame Ladders

Suitable for light-duty short-duration work but should never be used from the top steps.

Extension Ladders

Typically used for access to higher levels and must be secured correctly.

Fibreglass Ladders

Recommended where electrical hazards may exist because they are non-conductive.

Importantly, workplace ladders should meet Australian Standards and be industrial rated.

What does Safe Ladder Setup Look Like?

One of the most critical aspects of ladder safety is proper setup. Workers should understand:

• The correct ladder angle (commonly the 4:1 rule)
• How to secure ladders
• Ground surface considerations
• Clearance from electrical hazards
• Safe access and egress procedures

For straight and extension ladders, the ladder should extend at least 1 metre above the landing point when used for access.

What does Maintaining Three Points of Contact Mean?

A key principle of ladder safety is maintaining three points of contact at all times:

• Two hands and one foot, or
• Two feet and one hand

Workers should always face the ladder while climbing and avoid carrying items in their hands. Tools should instead be carried using tool belts or lifted separately.

When is a Ladder NOT the Right Choice?

One of the most important lessons in ladder safety training is recognising when a ladder should not be used.

If the task:

• Requires two-handed work
• Involves heavy tools or materials
• Takes an extended period
• Requires significant sideways reach
• Creates difficulty maintaining three points of contact

…then a safer alternative such as scaffolding, a platform ladder or an elevated work platform may be required.

Why does online Ladder Safety Training Matter?

Proper online ladder safety training helps workers:

• Select the correct ladder
• Conduct pre-use inspections
• Identify hazards
• Set up ladders safely
• Use ladders correctly
• Understand legal responsibilities
• Reduce the risk of injuries and incidents

Training also helps businesses demonstrate that workers have received instruction and supervision appropriate to the risks involved.

Many workplace ladder incidents are entirely preventable with the right knowledge and procedures in place.

How Often Should Ladder Safety Training Be Refreshed?

There is no specific legal requirement in Australia that states exactly how often ladder safety training must be refreshed. However, employers have a duty to ensure workers remain competent to perform their tasks safely.

As a guide, ladder safety training should be refreshed:

• Every 2 years as part of ongoing workplace safety training.
• When new ladder equipment is introduced.
• Following an incident, near miss, or identified unsafe work practice involving ladders.
• When workplace procedures or safety requirements change.
• When workers return to ladder-related tasks after a long period away from the activity.

Regular refresher training helps workers maintain awareness of common ladder hazards, inspection requirements, correct ladder selection, and safe work practices. It also provides employers with evidence that they are meeting their obligations to provide information, instruction, training, and supervision under occupational health and safety legislation.

For workplaces where ladders are used frequently, annual refresher training can help reinforce safe ladder use.

Online Ladder Safety Training for Your Workplace

At OHS & HR Management Systems, we provide practical and easy-to-understand Ladder Safety Awareness Training suitable for a wide range of industries and workplaces.

Our training is ideal for:

• Small businesses
• Schools
• Retail and hospitality
• Maintenance staff
• Warehousing and logistics
• Community organisations and NFPs

The course helps workers understand safe ladder selection, setup, use and inspection requirements in line with Australian safety expectations and Victorian workplace safety guidance. Certification also assists with providing evidence of due diligence for employers.

Useful WorkSafe Victoria Resources

WorkSafe Victoria provides valuable guidance on ladder safety and working at heights:

• Using Portable Ladders in the Workplace
• Working Safely with Ladders (PDF)
• Falls Prevention Guidance
• Safety Alert – Employees Seriously Injured from Falls When Using Ladders

Final Thoughts

Ladders may seem simple to use, but improper ladder use remains a major cause of workplace injuries. Investing in ladder safety training can help protect workers, reduce incidents and support compliance with workplace safety obligations.

Online Ladder safety training can prevent injuries that may affect workers and businesses for years. Here is a direct link to our $20 per person Online Ladder Safety Awareness Course