Ladder safety matters

Why does ladder safety matter?

Many people have ladders in their home, garages or work sheds for jobs around the house.

Falling from ladders can cause serious injuries requiring visits to the emergency department and hospital stays.

Falls can occur if ladders are not in good working condition or are used unsafely.

In 2017-18, over 5,600 Australians were admitted to hospital as a result of injuries from falls from ladders. This is a steep increase from previous years, with hospitalisations more than doubling since 2016-17.

People aged 65 years and over are hospitalised the most with injures from ladder falls. In 2017-18, most of the people hospitalised as a result of injuries from falling off a ladder were men.

In Australia, 36 people died from falls from ladders in 2020. Of those deaths, 11 were Victorians.

Injuries from falls from ladders

Falls from ladders can cause serious injuries that require lengthy hospital stays and long recoveries. Injuries can have long-term consequences and some people won’t ever get back to normal.

People who have had serious injuries can struggle to get back to their everyday activities, such as walking and driving, and this can reduce their quality of life and independence.

Injuries caused by falls from ladders include:

• head injuries
• brain injuries
• bone fractures, including shoulder, wrist and hip fractures
• spinal injury
• rib injuries.

Ladder safety tips

Make sure your ladder is safe and right for the job

• Make sure your ladder is the right height for the jobs you are likely to use it for.
• Use a standards-approved ladder (Australian Standard AS/NZS 1892).
• Check that your ladder is in good working order. Ensure your ladder is free from rust, has non-slip safety feet, and that safety locks and braces are in place.
• Make sure the ladder is rated for the weight you need it to carry. This includes your weight, the weight of tools and supplies you are using and any objects placed on the ladder.
• Read the manufacturer's advice and follow safety warnings.

Work in the right conditions

• Don’t work in wet, windy or hot conditions. A very hot day can cause people to feel dizzy or faint and lose their balance on a ladder. A wet or windy day may cause you or the ladder to slip or fall.
• Check that your ladder is on even ground, as surfaces that are uneven or sloped will increase your risk of falling from the ladder.
• Make sure your ladder is not placed in front of outward-opening doors or windows.
• Wear non-slip, enclosed footwear. Do not wear socks, slippers or shoes without a closed-in heal.
• Make sure someone is home with you while you are on the ladder, in case you have an accident and need assistance.
• Having another person with you to hold and support the ladder can help prevent the ladder from slipping.

How to set up your ladder safely

• Place the ladder on dry, firm and level ground.
• Always ensure the ladder is locked firmly into place before use.
• If you are working on an extension ladder, make sure it extends at least one metre over the top of the surface it rests against and secure it at the top.

Work safely up the ladder

• Stay in the centre of the ladder as you climb. Work within your arm’s reach and never lean too far from a ladder – it is much safer to get down and readjust the ladder.
• Only climb as far as the second step from the top of a step ladder or the third step or rung from the top of an extension ladder.
• Be careful when pulling items from shelves, gutters and roofs as this may cause you to lose your balance.
• Maintain 3 points of contact at all times while on the ladder. Use 2 hands when climbing. When using a tool, make sure both feet and your other hand are secure on the ladder.
• Two people should never climb the ladder at the same time even if their combined weight is below the maximum weight capacity.

Know when to get help

It may be unsafe for you to use a ladder if you experience:

• dizziness, feeling faint or light-headed
• low vision or trouble seeing
• difficulties with your coordination, balance or strength
• side effects from medicine, including feeling dizzy or drowsy, as this may affect your balance and vision, and increase your risk of falling from a ladder.

It’s best to get help if it’s not safe for you to use a ladder, or leave the job to another day if you’re not feeling well.

My Aged Care

• If need help around your house and you are aged 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) you can apply for an assessment with My Aged Care online or by phoning Tel. 1800 200 422 and speaking with the My Aged Care team.
• To learn more about My Aged Care and what services are available, visit the My Aged Care website.

Learn from others

Hear from people who have had falls from ladders about the impact of their fall and their recovery journey:

• Mick’s story
• Nick’s story
• Paul’s story.

Hear from a doctor about the injuries caused by ladder falls:

• Dr Owen’s story

Where to get help

• If you or someone you know has had a fall and is seriously injured and needs urgent medical help, call triple zero (000)
• Your GP (doctor) – if you have had a fall, for information about safe use of medications and for referrals to a Falls and Mobility Clinic near you
• A physiotherapist – for suitable exercise programs to improve your strength, balance and coordination to reduce your risk of falls
• Better Health Channel – Falls services for older people
• My Aged Care Tel. 1800 200 422 
• Carers Australia Tel. 1800 242 636
• Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Tel. 1300 135 090
• Independent Living Centre Victoria Tel. (03) 9362 6111