7. LADDERS

Ladders are primarily a means of access and egress. Many falls take place when people are working from ladders. In addition, when using a ladder:

• the working width and movement is limited
• the time involved in moving and setting up ladders is often underestimated when planning work
• the working position on ladders is often uncomfortable (the need to stretch sideways,
  work above shoulder height and stand on narrow rungs for a long time) and may cause musculoskeletal disorders.

For these reasons, you should consider whether an elevating work platform or scaffolding would
be safer and more efficient.