Ladder safety in the workplace

With ladders being the biggest cause of workplace fatalities involving working at heights, it is vital, that all
employers and employees who work at heights are familiar with the relevant legislation and understand
the hazards and risks associated with working on a ladder or similar device.
The challenge comes in when employees use step ladders, ladders, scaffold and other elevated work
platforms to perform a task. The risk is increased when it is a quick job such as changing a light bulb. No
one believes that anything can go wrong. It will only take two minutes so why check the equipment. This
kind of thinking is dangerous as fatalities can occur at any time even while doing a very simple everyday
task.

Knowing the difference between a ladder and a fixed ladder:

A “ladder” is a piece of equipment consisting of a series of bars or steps between two upright lengths of
wood, metal, or rope, used for climbing up or down something.
A “fixed ladder” means a ladder including individual rung ladders, permanently attached to a structure,
building or piece of equipment.

What does the law say?

Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993: General Safety Regulations – Work in elevated positions
# 6:

No employer shall require or permit any person to work in an elevated position, and no person shall work in an elevated position, unless such work is performed safely from a ladder or scaffolding, or from a position where such person has been made as safe as if he were working from scaffolding.

[ Please download the full February 2023 Newsletter below.]