How should you regard ladders to ensure the safety of people who work at height?

Ladders should be regarded as generally the least favored form of access equipment because, while they can be convenient and portable for short tasks, they pose significant safety risks compared to more stable forms of access like scaffolding or lifts. This categorization is based on considerations of stability, the potential for slips and falls, and the limitations on the duration of time one can safely spend on a ladder.

When evaluating access methods, priority is given to equipment that offers greater safety features and stability, such as scaffolding, which can support individuals more securely and allow for safer operations at height. Ladders are typically recommended only for tasks that are low in height, time-limited, and where there are no alternatives available. This perspective ensures that safety is prioritized in planning and executing work at heights, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and injuries among workers.