What is Ladder Safety Training?

Everyone working with ladders must be familiar with ladder safety requirements. Unsafe use of ladders can result in serious injuries from falling or if a metal ladder is used, electrical shock. The majority of ladder accidents are a result of improper use of the ladder or its equipment. With the potential for severe injuries, it is important to ensure the correct ladder is used at all times and safe usage practices are followed to minimize risk. Stairways and ladders are major sources of injuries and fatalities among workers, especially in the construction industry. Each year, on average, more than 300 lost-time injuries (LTIs) are caused by falls from a ladder in the Ontario construction industry. Many of these falls result in critical injuries (e.g., 65 in 2015) or fatalities (e.g., 2 in 2015). For this reason, safety training for each person working with ladders is critical to a safe worksite.

Who needs Ladder Safety Training?

This course is for any employee who may be expected to complete work-related tasks that involve assembling, altering, dismantling, movement, repair, maintenance, inspection and use of ladders. No matter your industry, ladder safety and fall prevention training is critical. Construction: Depending on the work at height tasks, construction workers will often use ladders/stepladders in the course of their work. They can use a range of ladders/stepladders at different heights. Agricultural: Agricultural and horticultural workers use ladders and stepladders, e.g. Orchard workers use ladders to pick fruit and gardeners use ladders to cut hedges. Roofers: Particularly self-employed roofers will use ladders for accessing the roof. There are specific ladders that can be used for roofing works. Maintenance: Maintenance workers will often use ladders to access short-duration maintenance jobs. Self-Employed: Self-employed workers such as landscapers, gardeners, builders, window cleaners, electricians, decorators and plasterers will often use ladders and stepladders for work at height, e.g. To decorate a ceiling.

Who is responsible for training?

Employers who use ladders in their establishments are responsible with the implementation of ladder training programs for all workers. That being said, it is the employee’s responsibility to complete the program and apply the safety measures they have learned to maintain their safety and that of their colleagues in the workplace. Additional training should include workplace-specific hands-on practical training. Upon completion of the course and written exam, a certificate will be issued. At this point, unless further training is required by your employer, you have done everything required to be considered by your employer as “certified,” “qualified,” or “competent.”

How Long Is the Certificate Valid?

The standard expiration date is 3 years.

What Other Courses Should I Take?

Ladder Safety Training is often purchased together with Scaffold Safety, Crane Safety, Personal Protective Equipment, Fall Protection and/or Lockout/Tagout. To obtain a comprehensive list of safety courses that are tailored to your line of work, please visit our consultation page and select your job from the list.