Fall from ladder (31 August 2023)

A 38-year-old male was straddling an A-frame ladder at the height of approximately 3.5 metres to install a roller door on a shed. Whilst loosening the tension a wrench spun out of control and struck him on the left cheek. The man, who was working alone, fell from the ladder and landed on concrete below, sustaining serious injuries.

An external view of a large shed with two doors, one with a closed roller door.
A close view of a roller door in an opened state.

Photographs of the shed and roller door at the incident site, taken when the work was complete.

Safety information

Workers are most at risk of falling from an A-frame style ladder if they are standing on the top 2 steps (e.g. straddling) and/or overreaching.

Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with using A-frame ladders.

Ensure:

  • ladders are used for simple access jobs, or for a short duration
  • you choose the right tool for the job. Your decision to use a specific ladder should not be based solely on the availability of a particular ladder at a workplace. You may be able to buy or hire purpose built equipment that would provide a safer means of access (such as mobile scaffold, elevated work platform or platform ladder)
  • you only use A-Frame ladders locked in the fully open position
  • the ladder is in good condition and industrial rated (120kg)
  • the ladder is set up on a flat, stable surface
  • the ladder is high enough, to prevent overreaching
  • you maintain three points of contact when climbing or descending the ladder. This means two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. Also use your waist to balance against the ladder
  • other trained workers are utilised with the task, if available.

Statistics

Each year there are dozens of serious incidents where workers have fallen from ladders. Most of these incidents involve a ladder being used incorrectly or inappropriately.

Related guidance material

Further information

Back to top