For many companies, working without a ladder is almost unimaginable. Step and rung ladders are also ubiquitous in industry, construction and trade. But working at heights can be dangerous: In 2019, the German Social Accident Insurance recorded more than 12,000 accidents involving ladders.

"Ladder falls are among the most serious accidents and result in lengthy recovery procedures," warns Markus Nowak, Head of Access Technology Sales at Hymer-Leichtmetallbau. "In addition to the damage to health, the economic damage can also be immense."

In most cases, human error is the cause. The most common mistakes include incorrect set-up with insufficient stability, one-sided loading, for example by leaning out to the side, the use of defective or poor-quality climbing aids and working with a lot of force on an unsecured ladder. "To prevent accidents involving ladders, there are a number of standards and guidelines that every employer and employee should be aware of," says Nowak. It is the employer's duty to ensure that only safe work equipment is made available. The user is also responsible for using the work equipment as intended. "If both parties pay attention to this and the work equipment is checked regularly, nothing stands in the way of safe working with ladders."

Tip 1: Keep an eye out when buying a ladder

The European standard EN 131 applies to ladder manufacturers. Users should ensure that they only purchase ladders produced in accordance with the standard. This reduces the risk of accidents occurring due to poor ladder quality. It is important to differentiate between professional and non-professional use. Professional ladders undergo more test cycles and are tested with higher loads. The ladder used should therefore be explicitly designed for professional use.

Tip 2: Risk assessment and inspection

The German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) defines the basic obligations of employers and employees when using work equipment. Before using a ladder, every employer is obliged to carry out a risk assessment to determine and document whether a ladder is suitable as safe work equipment for the intended activity (inspection). Nowak advises: "Defective ladders pose a major safety risk, especially during continuous use involving heavy loads. Inspections should therefore be carried out regularly."

Tip 3: Observe new rules on operational safety

Anyone who has already worked with rung ladders knows that working with them involves a higher risk. Ascending and descending require more concentration, and an unsteady stance increases the risk of falling. Since December 2018, extended Technical Rules for Operational Safety (TRBS) 2121-2 have therefore been in force, which further specify the legal basis of the BetrSichV. In principle, the following applies: stepladders instead of rung ladders, and the duration and height of the work determine the choice of work equipment. If the user determines that the use of a ladder is not permitted for the work to be carried out, an alternative climbing aid such as mobile scaffolding must be used.

Tip 4: Rung ladders only in exceptional cases

Working from the ladder rung is only permitted in exceptional cases, such as when working in narrow shafts or when harvesting fruit. However, this must then be recorded in writing in the risk assessment. Nowak says: "For longer work, stepladders or platform ladders are recommended, as the new TRBS requires employees to stand with both feet on a step with a tread of at least 80 mm in depth or on a platform. However, existing rung ladders can still be used if their stability is increased by additional equipment such as suspended steps or click-in steps."

Tip 5: Choosing the right ladder

Choosing the right work equipment also depends on the location. Some working environments require special products in order to work safely. A stepladder, for example, can be optimally adapted to the working conditions in a stairwell. If the ground is very soft, fruit tree ladders can provide a secure footing. They therefore ensure greater stability on soft ground. Also important: To avoid falls, a stepladder should never be used as a single ladder.

Tip 6: Increased stability with accessories

Additional equipment can significantly increase the safety of a ladder. A suspended step, for example, can be conveniently attached to rung ladders to ensure a safe and stable stance. This makes it possible to work on a rung ladder for longer periods of time. When working on soft ground such as a meadow, steel tips increase stability.

Tip 7: Correct behavior when handling ladders

Before using a ladder, read the instructions and carry out a safety check. Particular attention should be paid to the maximum weight that a ladder can carry. For example, tools and materials used on the ladder must not weigh more than 10 kg. If both hands are required to carry a tool, it is no longer possible to hold on to the ladder safely. Leaning out to the side also increases the risk of accidents. Climbing aids should always be positioned so that they are at an angle of between 65 and 75 degrees to the horizontal. The "elbow method" can be used to determine whether the ladder is positioned correctly.

Tip 8: Manufacturers are happy to advise

Access technology specialist Markus Nowak concludes: "Even if the right ladder has been selected, incorrect handling of the work equipment can lead to an accident." Regular inspection of all access equipment in the company to ensure that it is in proper condition is therefore necessary for the prevention of accidents in the workplace and is therefore also prescribed by the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health. "As a manufacturer and solution specialist, we are happy to advise our customers in detail on this topic and also offer seminars and further training in this area. For further information, we also provide a free white paper for download on our website."