Falls from step ladders
- Safety Flash
- Published on 10 November 2020
- Generated on 23 January 2026
- IMCA SF 31/20
- 2 minute read
A Member reports two incidents in which persons fell off step ladders and were injured as a result.
Incident 1
While climbing back down a ladder from the 3rd step/rung, a crewman lost his footing and fell backwards landing on the deck grating, hitting his head and jarring his neck.
What went wrong?
- The crew member did not check for safe securing of the portable ladder.
- The uneven levelling of the deck was not considered prior to ladder use.
uneven levelling of deck
placement of ladder
Incident 2
A forklift operator went up a step ladder to look at the top of container to ensure that there were no miscellaneous objects on top that could fall when the container was moved.
As he came down again, while he was over a metre off the deck, the ladder became unstable and he fell off and broke his wrist on landing, and suffered contusions on the left leg and left side of the body.
This was an LTI.
What went wrong?
- No risk assessment, permit to work or procedure was in place for the task or for the lifting of the container.
- There had been no check of the ladder before he started going up it – otherwise he might have noticed it was damaged.
- The broken ladders shouldn’t have been there at all: there was no routine inspections of ladders, and no quarantining of defective ladders.
- The forklift operator was not wearing safety boots at the time of the incident.
- There was no training or awareness methods in place for the safe use of ladders.
ladder involved in incident 2
damaged rubber feet on ladder
Ladder safety
- Risk assessment and toolbox talk before working on ladders.
- Routine inspection of ladders, and procedures that identify the quarantining of damaged ladders.
- Inspect your ladder before you start work!
- Make sure you’re familiar with the hazards and risks before using a ladder.
- Position the ladder on a stable surface, where it won’t wobble.
Members may wish to refer to
- UK HSE guidance on using step ladders – things to look out for
- UK HSE guidance LA455 – Safe use of ladders and stepladders – A brief guide
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 19/17
2 August 2017
-
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.