Access for quick jobs — not a work platform
Ladders cause a large share of fall injuries — WorkSafe estimates around 70% of all falls are from ladders and roofs. A ladder is for access and light, short-duration tasks, and offers no protection from a fall, so it should be the last option after platforms, scaffolds and edge protection. When a ladder is the right choice, use an industrial-rated one to AS/NZS 1892, keep three points of contact, don't overreach, and secure it.
A ladder is primarily a means of access for light, short-duration tasks — changing a light fitting, touching up paint — and gives no protection if you fall. Before reaching for one, consider higher-order controls: do as much preparation as possible on the ground, and use work platforms, scaffolds, mobile elevating work platforms or edge protection to remove or reduce the fall risk. Choose the ladder only when those are not reasonably practicable for the task.
| Rule | Why |
|---|---|
| Right ladder | Industrial or trade rated (at least 120 kg), compliant with AS/NZS 1892, clearly labelled, sound and not slippery or damaged. |
| Three points of contact | Keep two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand, in contact at all times, so a slip does not become a fall. |
| Don't overreach | Keep the centre of your body within the stiles and both feet on the same rung; move the ladder instead of stretching. |
| Secure it | Set up on firm, level ground and secure the top and bottom so it cannot slip sideways or backwards. |
| Don't climb too high | Stop at the third rung from the top of a straight ladder, and for access let it extend about a metre past the landing. |
Set stepladders on stable ground with the stays and locking arms fully engaged, face the steps toward the work, and avoid side-on loading such as drilling sideways. Carry tools on a tool belt rather than resting them on rungs. Keep metal ladders well clear of power lines — see electricity & lines. For the bigger picture see working at height and roof work & fragile surfaces.
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Only for access and light, short-duration tasks, and only when higher-order controls like work platforms, scaffolds or edge protection are not reasonably practicable. A ladder gives no protection from a fall, so it is a last resort.
An industrial or trade rated ladder of at least 120 kg, compliant with AS/NZS 1892, clearly labelled and in sound condition. Domestic ladders are not suitable for trade and construction work.
Keeping two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand, in contact with the ladder at all times, so that if you slip you do not fall. Carry tools on a tool belt to keep your hands free for climbing.
Keep the centre of your body within the ladder's stiles and both feet on the same rung. If you cannot reach comfortably, climb down and move the ladder rather than stretching.
Stop at the third rung from the top, and where the ladder is used for access let it extend about a metre past the point you are stepping off, so you have something to hold.
