Ladder Safety Training

No — your course credits never expire until they're used. Buy now and assign them to staff whenever you're ready.

Ladder safety training teaches employees how to select, inspect, set up, and use ladders and stepladders safely in the workplace. It covers the common causes of ladder-related accidents, the legal requirements under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and the practical steps workers should take every time they use a ladder. This is awareness-level training — it gives staff the knowledge they need to use ladders safely and recognise when a ladder is not the right equipment for the job.

Yes. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to ensure that anyone who works at height — including using ladders and stepladders — is competent to do so, or is being supervised by a competent person. Regulation 5 specifically requires employers to ensure that workers receive adequate training, including how to use work equipment safely. Falls from ladders remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries in the UK, and the HSE actively investigates ladder-related incidents. Providing ladder safety training is a fundamental part of meeting your legal duty.

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, a ladder should only be used when a risk assessment has confirmed that the use of other, more suitable work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and short duration of the task, or because of features of the site that cannot be altered. Ladders are considered last-resort access equipment — not the default choice. They are generally acceptable for light, short-duration tasks where three points of contact can be maintained. This course explains when a ladder is and is not appropriate.

The 1-in-4 rule (also known as the 75-degree rule) is a widely used guideline for positioning leaning ladders safely. It means the ladder should be placed so that for every 4 units of height, the base of the ladder is 1 unit away from the wall or supporting structure. This creates an angle of approximately 75 degrees, which provides the best balance between stability and risk of the ladder sliding. This course explains how to apply the rule in practice and how to check the angle quickly on site.

The three points of contact rule means that a person on a ladder should always have at least three limbs in contact with the ladder at any time — either two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. This significantly reduces the risk of falling. Maintaining three points of contact limits the type of work that can safely be carried out from a ladder, which is why ladders should only be used for light, short-duration tasks. This course covers the rule in detail and explains how it applies to both leaning ladders and stepladders.

Before every use, a ladder should be visually inspected to ensure it is safe. Key checks include: confirming the ladder is the right type and class for the task, checking the stiles (side rails) for cracks, bends, or corrosion, inspecting the rungs for damage or contamination, ensuring locking mechanisms and hinges are functioning correctly on stepladders, checking the feet for wear and grip, and confirming that the ladder has not exceeded its next inspection date. A damaged or defective ladder must never be used and should be taken out of service immediately. This course explains pre-use inspection step by step.

This course covers the safe use of leaning ladders (also known as extension ladders), stepladders, and combination ladders. It explains the differences between them, when each type is appropriate, how to set them up correctly, and the specific safety considerations for each. It also covers ladder classification (Class 1, EN 131, and trade vs domestic ratings) so that learners understand how to select the right ladder for the task.

Yes. The course is delivered entirely online. There are no scheduled sessions, classroom attendance, or booking required — you can start immediately after purchase and complete the training at a time and pace that suits you. You can pause at any point and pick up where you left off, making it easy to fit around a busy working day or shift pattern.

The course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. There are no time restrictions, so you can work through it at your own speed. This makes it practical for staff induction, toolbox talks, refresher training, or rolling out ladder safety awareness across a team without disrupting operations.

Yes. Upon successfully passing the final assessment, you will receive an instant downloadable Ladder Safety Certificate. The certificate can be downloaded, printed, or stored electronically as part of your training records. There is no need to wait for anything in the post — your certificate is available immediately after you pass.

The certificate does not carry a fixed expiry date. However, the HSE recommends that work at height training is refreshed regularly to ensure workers remain competent and up to date with current safe working practices. Many employers and principal contractors expect to see ladder safety training completed within the last one to two years. Given the low cost and short duration of this course, periodic refresher training is a simple and effective way to maintain competence and demonstrate compliance.