Working at Height Risk Assessment and Ladder Inspection Checklist

Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of workplace deaths and serious injuries. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require all work at height to be properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people, using the right equipment. This document records the assessment for each task and the inspections the Regulations require for ladders, towers and other access equipment.

• Before any task where someone could fall and be injured – including from a stepladder, a loading bay, a roof or into an opening
• Before each use of a ladder (pre-use check) and at regular intervals (detailed inspection)
• For scaffolds and towers, before first use and at least every 7 days

• Complete Part 1 for each task, working down the hierarchy – avoid, then prevent, then minimise falls
• Number your ladders and record detailed inspections in Part 3
• Brief everyone involved and keep the signed record