Ladder inspection services UK

Statutory Ladder Inspections – Stay Safe, Stay Compliant

Ensure ladder safety with certified inspections from ProGuard Consulting — your trusted UK partner for regulatory-compliant inspections of all ladder types, including step ladders, extendable ladders, pop-ups, and fixed/installed ladders to buildings and structures.

Why Ladder Inspections Matter

Ladders are essential tools on construction sites, in facilities, warehouses, and maintenance environments — but they're also a top cause of workplace falls and injuries. According to the HSE, improper ladder use and poor condition are major contributors to serious accidents across all sectors.

To ensure legal compliance and protect your workforce, regular statutory inspections of all ladder types are required under several key regulations:

Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR)
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Failure to inspect, maintain, or replace ladders appropriately could result in prosecution, fines, and preventable injuries.

What’s Covered in a Ladder Inspection?

At ProGuard Consulting, our qualified inspection team carries out comprehensive ladder safety assessments, either as a standalone service or integrated into your wider compliance programme. We inspect:

Step ladders
Extendable ladders
Platform ladders and podium steps
Pop-up access equipment
Fixed ladders installed on buildings, scaffolding, and structures
Custom or industrial access systems

Every inspection includes:

Visual and physical examination for wear, damage, corrosion, and defects
Stability and locking mechanism checks
Rung, tread, and foot condition verification
Labelling and user guidance confirmation
Assessment of correct storage and use practices
Full statutory inspection report with documented findings and next steps

Your Legal Obligations

Employers must ensure that all work at height equipment is regularly inspected by a competent person, including ladders. According to WAHR 2005 Regulation 12 and PUWER, ladders must be:

Inspected before first use
Checked routinely depending on frequency of use
Formally inspected at regular intervals and recorded

Inspections should always be carried out by someone with appropriate knowledge, training, and experience — like our experts at ProGuard Consulting.

Why Choose ProGuard Consulting?

With decades of experience in LOLER, PUWER, and work-at-height compliance, our inspection services are:

Fully compliant with HSE and industry standards
Flexible with scheduling for minimal disruption
Supported with professional documentation and compliance certificates
Delivered by trained inspectors with real-world site experience

We work across rail, construction, facilities, utilities, and local government sectors — ensuring your ladder inspections aren’t just a tick-box exercise, but a strategic part of your safety programme.

Book Your Ladder Inspection Today

Stay compliant. Reduce risk. Protect your team.
Get in touch to schedule your statutory ladder inspection or to discuss your broader compliance requirements.

📧 Email: info@proguardconsulting.co.uk
📞 Call: 07595893659
🌐 https://proguardconsulting.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@proguardconsulting.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.

1. Do ladders need to be inspected by law?

Yes. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), all ladders used in the workplace must be inspected regularly by a competent person to ensure they are safe to use. These inspections are a legal requirement and help to prevent accidents caused by faulty or damaged equipment.

2. How often should ladders be inspected?

Inspection frequency depends on how often the ladder is used, the type of ladder, and the working environment.

Pre-use checks: should be carried out every time before use.
Formal inspections: should be recorded and typically carried out every 3 to 6 months or more frequently for high-use equipment.

Our team can help you set an appropriate inspection schedule based on your operations. ProGuard Consulting believes that effective change management involves engaging stakeholders, communicating clearly and frequently, and providing support and resources to those impacted by the change.

3. What types of ladders must be inspected?

All types of workplace ladders should be inspected, including:

Step ladders
Extendable ladders
Pop-up and podium ladders
Platform ladders
Fixed or installed ladders (attached to buildings or structures)
Any equipment used for working at height must be safe, stable, and structurally sound.

4. What does a statutory ladder inspection involve?

Our ladder inspections include:

Visual and physical checks for damage, wear, or defects
Inspection of rungs, stiles, feet, and locking mechanisms
Check for correct labelling and usage instructions
Condition of storage and evidence of misuse

Full documented inspection report and compliance certification. All types of workplace ladders should be inspected, including:

Step ladders
Extendable ladders
Pop-up and podium ladders
Platform ladders
Fixed or installed ladders (attached to buildings or structures)
Any equipment used for working at height must be safe, stable, and structurally sound.

5. Who can carry out a ladder inspection?

Inspections must be carried out by a competent person — someone with the right knowledge, experience, and training to identify ladder defects and assess risk. ProGuard Consulting provides fully qualified inspectors who meet all HSE and industry compliance requirements.

6. What happens if a ladder fails the inspection?

If a ladder is found to be unsafe or unfit for use, it must be immediately removed from service and either repaired (if appropriate) or replaced. We will provide a clear written report highlighting the issues and recommend the next steps to ensure compliance and safety.