How to Choose the Best Ladder

We are committed to workplace safety, and that's why we believe that selecting the right ladder before undertaking work is crucial to keeping you safe when working at height. It’s alarming to know that falls from heights remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities, accounting for approximately a quarter of all worker deaths and 8% of non-fatal injuries each year. Many of these incidents arise from using the wrong ladder, whether it’s too short or not suited for the job.

So, if your job involves climbing ladders, it is vital to use the appropriate equipment to ensure your safety. Choosing the right ladder also helps you get the job done efficiently and professionally. To help you out, we’ve put together four key things to consider when you’re selecting that perfect ladder.

1. What ladder height do I need?

When selecting the ladder for the job, you need to consider the height that you will be working at and the height that you can safely reach to. We recommend always choosing a ladder slightly higher than you might need to avoid overreach and following the instructions on the ladder for safe use.

Our suggested safe working height is based on 1.75m as the average reach height of a person when standing on the maximum advised safe climb/standing height. The illustrations describe the maximum advised standing heights for different types of ladders.

2. Which ladder safety standards should I consider?

Always take care to choose the correct standard of ladder for the job in hand. Our Werner ladders have to meet the new EN131 standard, where applicable, with ladders having a load capacity of 150kg.

If you are going to use the ladders for commercial purposes, you must use ladders that have been tested for Professional Use with a load capacity of 150kg. However, if you are going to use ladders at a private dwelling for non-commercial purposes, you can use ladder certified for Non-Professional Use. 

Learn More About Ladder Standards

3. What is the most suitable ladder material?

When it comes to ladders the choice of MATERIAL MATTERS. Usually the first decision when it comes to buying a ladder is which material to choose.

Depending on the type and style, we manufacture ladders in aluminium, fibreglass and in some cases steel - and for loft ladders also in wood. The materials we use have been chosen for their special properties, for example fibreglass is non-conductive to electricity, aluminium doesn't rust or rot; so check out our full range and find out why materials matter.

4. Which type of ladder is best for the job?

Choose the right style of ladder to help you get the job done safely and quickly. Werner has the full range of ladders and access equipment to help you work safely and efficiently.

You can choose your new ladder by the type of project you are working on – for example working around electricity or painting and decorating on stairs. See our easy-to-use guide to the most common projects where a ladder is needed.