Employers need to oversee all ladders that are owned by their company. Detailed visual inspections should be carried out on a regular basis, and they should have an up-to-date record of these. Before starting a job, employers are also responsible for ensuring any ladder is the right length to meet the needs of the task; reaching out from the very top of a ladder is highly dangerous. Once you get a ladder, you, as user of the ladder, should conduct a pre-use check each working day. Conducting pre-use checks should have been part of your training and should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. When doing a check, it is important to focus on the steps and make sure they are not loose as this could cause an accident. Similarly, a cracked joint in the ladder could cause it to fail.

Almost all falls from ladders happen because the ladder moves unexpectedly. The key factor in preventing falls from ladders is to ensure your ladder is stable whilst being used. First, make sure that you choose level ground on which to set up your ladder. There are specially designed tools you can use to ensure this – don't just use a piece of wood. Second, check the ground surface is dirt-free and solid, so the feet can grip and the ladder doesn't sink.

Before you go up your ladder, look at the surrounding environment. Make sure the ladder cannot be struck by vehicles. If necessary, safeguard the area by placing red and white cones around it. Ensure it will not be pushed over by other hazards such as opening doors. Doors and windows may need to be secured where possible. Finally, think about the hazards to the general public and make sure they cannot walk underneath it or get too near to it. A ‘danger' sign at the base is often the best way of doing this.

To secure the ladder, tie it to a suitable point, such as a window or railing, making sure both sides are attached. Where this is not practical, secure it to the wall near the base of the ladder with ties; avoid using blocks to wedge the ladder in place as they can easily move.