Ladder Safety Course

The Real Cost of Ladder-Related Incidents
• Understanding the consequences of falls from ladders
• Common causes of ladder accidents in the workplace
• Impact on employees, productivity, and business continuity
• Legal implications and HSA enforcement actions
• Learning from real workplace incidents

Understanding Ladder Safety
• Types of ladders and their intended uses
• Selecting the correct ladder for the task
• Legal responsibilities for employers and employees
• When ladders are appropriate and when alternative access equipment should be used
• Understanding ladder classifications and ratings

Hazard Identification & Risk Awareness
• Identifying hazards before work begins
• Ground conditions and environmental factors
• Overreaching and unstable positioning
• Electrical hazards and overhead obstructions
• Weather considerations for outdoor work

Ladder Inspection & Maintenance
• Pre-use ladder inspections
• Identifying damaged or defective ladders
• Safe storage and transportation
• Removing unsafe ladders from service
• Inspection records and reporting defects

Safe Ladder Setup & Use
• Correct ladder positioning and angle (1 in 4 rule)
• Securing ladders before use
• Maintaining three points of contact
• Safe climbing and descending techniques
• Carrying tools and materials safely
• Working safely from ladders

Preventing Falls & Emergency Response
• Safe work planning before accessing ladders
• Preventing slips, trips, and falls
• Emergency procedures following a fall
• Reporting incidents and near misses
• Continuous improvement through lessons learned

Organisational Responsibility & Safety Culture
• Employer responsibilities
• Supervisor responsibilities
• Employee responsibilities
• Safe systems of work
• Promoting proactive hazard reporting

Ladder Safety as an Ongoing Risk Management Activity
• Regular inspections and maintenance
• Competency and refresher training
• Reviewing risk assessments
• Monitoring safe work practices
• Embedding ladder safety into everyday operations

This course is suitable for anyone who uses ladders as part of their work, including:

• Maintenance Personnel
• Facilities Managers and Technicians
• Construction Workers
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Carpenters and Joiners
• Painters and Decorators
• Warehouse and Logistics Staff
• Engineers
• Supervisors and Team Leaders
• Health & Safety Representatives

No previous ladder safety training is required.

Risk Management
Falls from ladders remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. Proper ladder selection, inspection, and safe use significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Legal Responsibility
Irish employers must assess the risks of working at height, provide suitable work equipment, and ensure employees receive appropriate instruction and training.

Compliance
Training supports organisational compliance with Irish health and safety legislation and recognised best practice for working safely at height.

Organisational Performance
Well-trained employees work more safely and efficiently, reducing injuries, downtime, equipment damage, and operational disruption.

Participants will:

• Understand legal responsibilities relating to ladder safety
• Select the correct ladder for different tasks
• Carry out pre-use ladder inspections
• Identify common ladder hazards and risks
• Demonstrate safe ladder setup and use
• Reduce the likelihood of falls and workplace injuries
• Support a proactive workplace safety culture

Instructor-led training
• Interactive presentations
• Practical demonstrations
• Ladder inspection exercises
• Workplace case studies
• Scenario-based discussions

Delivered:

• Onsite at client premises, or

The course combines practical demonstrations with workplace scenarios to improve confidence and competence when using ladders safely.

This training supports employer obligations under:

• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 – Part 4: Work at Height
• Health and Safety Authority (HSA) guidance on Safe Use of Ladders and Step Ladders

Irish employers are required to:

• Assess risks associated with working at height
• Provide suitable access equipment
• Ensure ladders are inspected and maintained
• Provide appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision
• Implement measures to prevent falls where reasonably practicable

Samson Training delivers practical Ladder Safety Training focused on reducing falls, improving safe working practices, and supporting workplace compliance.

Our approach emphasises:

• Practical ladder inspection and safe use
• Real workplace scenarios
• Clear understanding of legal responsibilities
• Experienced health and safety instructors
• Interactive learning and practical demonstrations
• Building a proactive workplace safety culture

We position ladder safety as a critical element of working at height risk management, helping organisations protect employees, reduce accidents, and improve operational performance.

Who should attend Ladder Safety Training?
The course is suitable for anyone who uses ladders during their work, including maintenance staff, construction workers, tradespeople, facilities teams, warehouse personnel, and supervisors.

Does the course include practical demonstrations?
Yes. Participants receive practical instruction on ladder inspection, correct setup, positioning, and safe working techniques.

Is this course suitable for all industries?
Yes. The principles apply across construction, manufacturing, facilities management, logistics, retail, healthcare, education, and many other sectors.

Can the course be delivered onsite?
Yes. Samson Training delivers Ladder Safety Training onsite throughout Ireland or at designated training venues.