Why Ladder and Step Safety Training Is Essential in Every Workplace

Your Essential Guide

Ladders and other kinds of step equipment are used across a huge range of industries. However, despite this widespread use, they are also responsible for a large number of workplace incidents. Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries; so how can this be avoided? By investing in ladder and steps safety training! Here is everything you need to know.

The Importance of Ladder and Steps Safety Training

Ladder safety training courses show attendees how to use ladders and step equipment correctly, and this reduces the risk of accidents and ensures that all safety requirements are being complied with. While using a ladder or steps properly may seem like common sense, just relying on your own assumptions can have serious consequences. So why not learn how to use them properly in the first place?

Ladder and steps training also helps you to build a safer work environment overall. Workers who understand correct ladder use are more likely to inspect their equipment and avoid cutting corners, as well as report anything that seems amiss before an accident can occur. This can extend to other areas of their work, too!

The Costs of Ignoring Ladder and Step Safety

Delaying or skipping ladder and step safety training altogether can have all kinds of consequences for a business. Some of the most common costs of neglecting your ladder safety training are:

• Compensation claims and other expenses
• Lost productivity through staff absence following an injury
• Higher insurance premiums
• Being disciplined by a body such as the HSE
• Damage to your business or brand’s reputation

All of these far outweigh the cost of ladder safety training for your team, especially for small businesses!

Common Ladder Hazards and How Training Helps

Even experienced ladder users can make errors if they’re not properly trained or have become complacent. Picking the wrong type of ladder, such as using a stepladder on uneven ground, is a common mistake. Failing to set a ladder up properly is another oversight that the right training can correct, as is failing to inspect the equipment before use. Far too many people overreach and lean too far when using a ladder too.

The right training recognises that there are common mistakes that workers make, and shows you how to prevent them. It will cover the S.T.E.P method (Site, Task, Equipment, Personnel) and also cover all of the legislation relating to ladder safety too. So not only will you gain a strong knowledge of good health and safety practices, but you will learn how to apply your new skills on site.

What to Do Now

Setting aside a few hours for ladder and steps training can make such a difference. So why not get in touch with a trusted training provider in your area today? You’ll thank yourself that you took a proactive step and put the safety of your team first.