Ladders are for short, light work. As a guide from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), if a job means staying on a ladder in one position for more than about 30 minutes, use other equipment such as a scaffold tower or podium step.
Light and heavy work
- Light work (changing a bulb, small repairs, inspections) is suitable for a ladder.
- Heavy work isn't. If you would be carrying more than about 10kg up a ladder, or using heavy or two-handed tools, choose a tower or platform.
Why time matters
The longer you stand on rungs, the more tired your legs get and the more likely you are to lose balance or overreach.
Better options for longer jobs
- Platform step ladders with a handrail, for longer indoor work.
- Podium steps, which have guardrails all round.
- Scaffold towers for long jobs at height outdoors.