What is the Maximum Height a Ladder Can be Used?

Injuries caused by falling from heights have become much less common; this is through a combination of both safe practice and regulations. However, accidents are still occurring. In 2016, falling from heights accounted for 37 fatalities and nearly 6,000 non-fatal injuries. This still isn’t good enough.

Safe methods of work are put in place by the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) to help reduce risks. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that:

• All work at height is properly planned and organised,
• All work at height takes account of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety,
• Those involved in work at height are trained and competent,
• Work at height is carried out in a safe environment,
• Equipment used when working at height is appropriately inspected,
• The risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled, and
• The risks from falling objects are properly controlled

A frequently asked question is “What is the maximum height a ladder can be used?” and the answer is that there is no maximum height for using a ladder. However, the HSE still suggest that at any height above 9 metres, landing areas or rest platforms should be provided.

Working at Height & Ladder Safety Training

Here at iHASCO, we offer a Working at Height Training course to help reduce workers chances of being involved in an accident at height by educating them about their responsibilities, what risks they might face and how to choose the correct equipment. Additionally, we offer a Ladder Safety Training course. This specifically covers working at height on ladders at work. Try them for free today!