Toolbox talks.
Two minutes each, one trade at a time. Read one with the kettle on, then check yourself on the job. General guidance - your site's own rules and method statements always win.
The risk
- Falls from ladders are one of the most common site injuries, usually from short climbs, not high ones.
- The ladder slips at the foot, or the climber overreaches and the top slides sideways.
- Damaged stiles, missing feet, or paint hiding a crack all fail without warning.
The controls
- Foot it or tie it: a ladder should be secured at the top, footed by a mate, or both.
- One in four rule - for every four up, one out from the wall.
- Three points of contact, always; tools go in a belt or a hoist bag, not in your hands.
- Check the feet, rungs, and ropes before every climb, and reject damaged ladders on the spot.
Check yourself - Before you climb: tied or footed, right angle, both hands free?