Most homes have a ladder in the shed or garage. It comes out for changing a light globe, clearing the gutters or trimming a hedge. These are small jobs, so it is easy to rush them. Yet a fall from even a low height can change your life in a second.
The good news is that most ladder falls can be avoided. A few habits before you climb and while you work make a real difference. This guide covers choosing a ladder, setting it up and working on it safely. It also covers when to hand the job to someone else.
Why ladder safety matters at home
Ladder falls are a bigger problem in Australia than many people realise. According to the Product Safety Australia guidance on ladders, more than 30 Australians die each year on average after falling from a ladder. Most of them are men. Falls can cause broken limbs, spinal cord damage, severe brain injury or death.
Hospital figures tell a similar story. In the year ended 30 June 2022, more than 6,200 people were admitted to hospital after a ladder fall. Nearly 80% of them were men and about 40% were aged 65 or older. Most of these accidents happen to men at or near retirement age.
Choosing the right ladder for the job
Start with the ladder itself. There is no mandatory Australian standard for ladders, so the label is worth reading before you buy. The Better Health Channel advice on ladder safety suggests a ladder approved to the Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 1892. Look for non slip feet and working safety locks and braces. It should also be free of rust.
Check the weight rating too. That figure has to cover your own weight plus your tools and anything you carry. Pick a ladder that suits the height and type of work you do most. A step ladder stands on its own, while an extension ladder leans against a wall or other support and relies on gravity to stay put.
Where you keep the ladder matters as well. A tidy shed makes it easier to grab the right gear when you need it. Using custom labels to organise every room and storage area helps you find your tools and safety gear quickly. Whatever your system, inspect the ladder for damage every time you take it out.
Setting up before you climb
Many falls start with a poor setup. Place the ladder on dry, firm and level ground. Lock the spreaders on a step ladder and check the locks are fully in place. Keep it clear of doors and windows that open outwards.
Extension ladders need a little more thought. SafeWork NSW advises an angle ratio of 1:4, which means the base sits about one metre out from the wall for every four metres of height. The ladder should also extend at least one metre past the surface it rests on and be secured at the top. Read the warnings on the ladder and follow the maker’s instructions.
Look at the weather before you start. Skip the job in wet, windy or very hot conditions. Rain and wind make slips more likely, and heat can leave you dizzy or faint. If you are pressure cleaning the siding on your home, keep in mind that wet rungs and wet ground are harder to grip.
Safe habits while you are on the ladder
Once you are up, a few simple rules keep you steady. Most of them come down to balance and grip. Here are the main points from the official advice.
- Keep three points of contact at all times, such as two feet and one hand.
- Use both hands while you climb.
- Keep your body centred between the side rails.
- Do not stand above the second step from the top of a step ladder.
- Do not go above the third rung from the top of an extension ladder.
- Never let two people climb the ladder at the same time.
Over reaching is a common cause of trouble. If you cannot reach the spot with your body centred, climb down and move the ladder. It takes a minute and is far quicker than recovering from a fall. Having someone hold the base also helps stop the ladder from slipping.
Think about what you carry up with you. When you use a tool, keep both feet and your other hand secure. Climbing with a heavy item in one hand means you lose a point of contact. Take only what you need for that part of the job.
Footwear for ladder work
What you wear on your feet matters more than most people think. Wear enclosed shoes with a sole that grips. Avoid socks, slippers or shoes with an open heel. Product Safety Australia also recommends shoes that resist slipping.
Comfort plays a part too. Shoes that rub or pinch can pull your attention away from your footing. If you have just bought a pair, it is wise to break in new western boots or any other new footwear on flat ground first. Save the ladder for shoes you already trust.
Know your limits
Your health on the day affects your safety. Do not use a ladder if you feel dizzy, faint or light headed. The same applies if you have trouble with your vision, balance, coordination or strength. Some medicines cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can affect balance and raise the risk of a fall.
Try not to use a ladder when you are home alone. Have someone nearby in case you fall and need help. If the job feels beyond you, leave it for another day or get help. Older people and people with disability may be able to get help with home maintenance through their local council or an agency.
Money can also be a reason people climb when they should not. Paying someone for a small job can feel like an extra cost you would rather avoid. Taking the time to discuss finances with your family can make it easier to agree that some jobs are worth paying for. A small bill is far easier to manage than a serious injury.
Frequently asked questions
What angle should an extension ladder be set at?
SafeWork NSW advises a ratio of 1:4. Put the base about one metre from the wall for every four metres of height. The ladder should also reach at least one metre above the surface it leans on. Secure it at the top before you climb.
How high can I safely stand on a step ladder?
Do not stand above the second step from the top. On an extension ladder, stay below the third rung from the top. Going higher makes it much harder to keep your balance. If you cannot reach, use a taller ladder.
Is there a mandatory standard for ladders in Australia?
No, there is no mandatory standard for ladders. That is why it pays to check the label before you buy. Look for a ladder approved to AS/NZS 1892 with a weight rating that suits the job. Check the feet, locks and braces too.
Who is most at risk of a ladder fall?
Men at or near retirement age account for most ladder deaths and hospital stays. About 40% of people admitted to hospital after a ladder fall are aged 65 or older. They are also more at risk of serious injury when they do fall. If you are in this group, think hard about whether you need to climb at all.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. If you have a health condition or take medicine that affects your balance, speak with a doctor or qualified health professional before using a ladder. For any job you are unsure about, consider getting help from someone qualified to do it.
