Ladder Safety training

(Awareness / user / Inspection)

“Don’t Fall for Mistakes—Get Trained.”

Ladder Safety Training

Step Up with Confidence

This Ladder Safety course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical guidance needed to use ladders and stepladders safely and responsibly in the workplace. Knowing how to select, inspect, set up, and use ladders correctly is essential for reducing the risk of falls and ensuring a safe working environment.

The course offers a comprehensive introduction to ladder safety, covering everything from pre-use checks and proper positioning to safe climbing techniques and ladder-specific risk assessments. You’ll also learn how to choose the right type of ladder for the task and understand the legal responsibilities surrounding ladder use.

By the end of the course, you’ll feel confident in applying safe working practices, fully understand your duties under health and safety legislation, and be better prepared to prevent accidents when working at height.

How it works….

On the course

At a glance…

6 - 10 delegates

Depending on course chosen

No qualifications

PPE required - depending, ask on enquiry

This training course is delivered on-site at your location or at a training centre location and typically lasts a day, No formal qualifications are needed to attend, making it accessible to all experience levels. Group sizes are kept small, usually between 6–10 delegates, to ensure focused, hands-on learning. Delegates are required to bring PPE for this training course

Awareness -No PPE required

User - Safety boots, hi-viz clothing - site specific

Ladder Inspection - No PPE required

Ladder restrain - roof access - safety boots, hi-viz clothing, hard hat, safety harness, safety access kit (including ropes, strops, rope grab, ratchet straps, eye bolts).

Ladder Safety - Awareness

Module 1: Introduction to Ladder Safety

This module sets the stage by highlighting why ladder safety matters and the potential consequences of improper use. Learners will explore common causes of ladder-related incidents, including misuse and poor setup, and gain insight into who is most at risk when working at height.

The module also outlines the legal responsibilities of employers and employees, emphasising the importance of training, supervision, and safe working practices. By understanding the risks and their own duties, learners will be better prepared to prevent accidents and promote a safer work environment.

Module 2: Legal Responsibilities

This module provides an in-depth overview of the key legislation and regulatory frameworks that underpin ladder safety. Participants will learn about:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – the cornerstone of workplace safety law

• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – setting out employer responsibilities for risk assessments and safe systems of work

• The Work at Height Regulations 2005 – specific requirements for working safely at heights

• The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 – ensuring equipment, including ladders, is safe to use

• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) – obligations for reporting workplace incidents

• The role of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – the regulatory body enforcing these standards

By understanding these legal responsibilities, learners will be better equipped to ensure compliance and promote a culture of safety within their organisations.

Module 3: Risk Assessment

This module introduces the risk assessment process for ladder use, outlining who is responsible and why it’s important. It covers the five key steps:

1. Identify hazards

2. Decide who may be harmed and how

3. Determine necessary precautions

4. Record findings and implement controls

5. Review and update as needed

Learners will gain a practical understanding of how to assess and manage ladder-related risks on site.

Module 4: Pre-use checks, Maintenance & Storage

This module covers essential steps to ensure ladders remain safe to use. Learners will understand how to carry out pre-use checks and who’s should complete detailed visual inspections, identify when maintenance or repairs are needed, and apply best practices for safe storage to prevent damage and deterioration.

Module 5: Setting Up Ladders

This module guides learners through the correct setup of ladders and stepladders. It covers how to choose the right ladder, understand ladder classifications, apply safe handling techniques, and ensure ladders are properly secured and positioned to minimise risk before use.

Module 6: Using Ladders Safely

This module focuses on best practices for safe ladder use. It covers extending ladders properly, safe techniques for climbing up and down, maintaining stability while working from a ladder, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of falls and injury.

Ladder Safety - restraint (User)

Module 7: Restrained Systems (Optional Add-On)

This optional module can be added to the course for organisations using ladder safety systems or rope-based restraint systems as part of their working-at-height procedures. It introduces the principles of fall restraint, focusing on systems designed to prevent users from reaching a point where a fall could occur.

Topics include:

• Understanding restraint vs. fall arrest

• Components of a restraint system

• Correct use of ropes, harnesses, and anchor points

• Pre-use checks and setup procedures

• Best practices for working safely while restrained

This module is ideal for those working at height using fixed ladder systems, roof access points, or in environments where a rope restraint system is in place to enhance ladder safety. It provides a practical extension to standard ladder training, promoting greater protection and compliance in high-risk environments.

Assessment

Ladder Safety Assessment

At the end of the course, learners will complete a theory-based assessment to confirm their understanding of key ladder safety principles.

The assessment consists of multiple-choice questions covering:

• Safe selection and setup of ladders

• Legal responsibilities and regulations

• Risk assessment and hazard awareness

• Inspection, maintenance, and storage procedures

• Safe usage techniques and PPE requirements

The assessment is designed to reinforce learning and ensure each participant is confident in applying safe practices when working at height. Successful learners will receive a Certificate of Ladder Safety Training, demonstrating their competence and commitment to workplace safety.

Optional Practical Assessment: Ladder Restraint Systems

For organisations using ladder restraint systems or rope-based fall prevention, this optional practical assessmentallows learners to demonstrate their ability to work safely with restraint equipment in real-world scenarios.

The assessment covers:

• Correct fitting and adjustment of harnesses and restraint systems

• Inspection of equipment before use

• Anchoring and securing to fixed points

• Safe use of rope restraint systems while ascending, descending, and working from a ladder

• Effective use of PPE in conjunction with restraint systems

This hands-on assessment ensures learners are not only trained in the theory of ladder restraint systems but are also competent and confident in applying these techniques on-site. A practical certificate can be issued upon successful completion, supporting compliance and internal safety standards.

Inspection 

Module 1: Legislation & Responsibilities in Ladder Inspection

This module lays the groundwork for understanding the legal and safety obligations related to ladder inspections.

Topics include:

  • Key legislation and regulations (e.g. Work at Height Regulations 2005, PUWER)

  • HSE guidance on ladder safety and inspection requirements

  • The legal duty of employers to provide safe equipment

  • The role of employees in identifying and reporting ladder defects

  • Importance of compliance in preventing accidents and liability

Module 2: How to Conduct Ladder Inspections

This practical module walks learners through the full inspection process for stepladders, platform stepladders, and step stools.

Topics include:

  • What to inspect: rungs, feet, stiles, locking mechanisms, platforms

  • Step-by-step inspection procedures for different ladder types

  • Frequency of inspections: daily, pre-use, and scheduled formal checks

  • Identifying signs of damage, wear, and unsafe modifications

  • When and how to remove a ladder from service

Module 3: Recording, Reporting & Disposal

This module focuses on the administrative side of inspections—ensuring every check is recorded, reported, and followed up correctly.

Topics include:

  • Properly recording inspection results using checklists or digital tools

  • Reporting defects and unsafe equipment

  • Guidance on repair procedures vs. safe disposal

  • Maintaining inspection logs for compliance and audits

  • Promoting a culture of continuous inspection and accountability

Assessment Overview

To successfully complete the Ladder Inspection Training Course, learners will undertake both a theory assessment and an optional practical assessment to demonstrate their understanding and competence in ladder inspection.

Theory Assessment

The theory assessment consists of a multiple-choice quiz that tests learners on the key principles covered in the course. It ensures they understand:

  • Relevant legislation and guidance (e.g. WAHR, PUWER, HSE guidance)

  • Employer and employee responsibilities in ladder inspections

  • Ladder inspection procedures, including what to check and how often

  • Proper documentation, reporting processes, and disposal guidelines

  • Common defects and the risks they pose

This assessment confirms that learners can apply their knowledge confidently and in line with workplace safety requirements.

Practical Assessment

The practical assessment allows learners to demonstrate their ability to carry out a hands-on ladder inspection in a real or simulated environment.

Learners will be expected to:

  • Conduct a formal inspection of a stepladder, platform stepladder, or step stool

  • Identify and correctly document visible defects or safety concerns

  • Complete a sample inspection checklist

  • Recommend appropriate actions (e.g. removal, repair, or safe use)

  • Show understanding of safe handling and storage post-inspection

The practical component reinforces confidence and competence in applying safe inspection practices on the job.

Ladder Inspection Assessment