Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries across construction, maintenance, and industrial environments. Ladders and scaffolds are used daily on sites in both the UK and the US—yet inspection routines are often overlooked or misunderstood.
So how often should ladders and scaffolds be inspected? And what does good practice actually look like on site?
This guide breaks it down clearly, without jargon.
1. Why Regular Inspections Matter
Ladders and scaffolds are temporary access equipment, but the risks they present are anything but temporary.
Regular inspections help to:
- Identify wear, damage, or instability before failure occurs
- Prevent falls, dropped tools, and structural collapse
- Ensure accountability across teams
- Support legal and safety compliance
Most incidents aren’t caused by sudden failure—they’re caused by missed checks.
2. How Often Should Ladders Be Inspected?
UK (HSE guidance)
Under the Work at Height Regulations, ladders must be:
- Checked before first use
- Inspected at suitable intervals
- Examined after events that could affect safety (for example, impact, weather, or relocation)
US (OSHA guidance)
OSHA requires ladders to be:
- Inspected before initial use each day
- Removed from service immediately if defects are found
Best Practice
- Visual check before every use
- Recorded inspection weekly or monthly, depending on usage and environment
- Tag the ladder clearly so users know its status at a glance
3. How Often Should Scaffolds Be Inspected?
Scaffold inspections are more formal—and rightly so.
UK (HSE / Work at Height Regulations)
Scaffolds must be inspected:
- Before first use
- Every 7 days
- After alterations, severe weather, or impact
- Inspection results must be recorded
US (OSHA guidance)
- Inspections must be carried out by a competent person
- Required before each work shift
- Also required after any event that may affect structural integrity
Best Practice
- Use dated inspection records
- Display scaffold status clearly at access points
- Restrict access immediately if conditions change
4. The Role of Inspection Tags and Records
Inspection tags aren’t just paperwork—they’re a communication tool.
Effective tag systems:
- Show whether equipment is safe to use
- Display the last inspection date
- Identify the responsible person
- Prevent unauthorised or accidental use
Colour-coded tags make safety information instantly understandable—even in busy, noisy environments.
5. Ladder vs Scaffold: Inspection Frequency at a Glance
| Equipment | Visual Check | Recorded Inspection | Extra Checks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ladder | Before every use | Weekly or monthly | After damage, impact, or relocation |
| Scaffold | Before use / before each shift | Every 7 days | After weather, changes, or impact |
6. What Happens If Inspections Are Missed?
Missed or undocumented inspections can lead to:
- Increased risk of falls and injuries
- Equipment being used when unsafe
- Site shutdowns and delays
- Enforcement action and fines
- Time lost to incident investigations and corrective work
Most importantly, it puts people at risk.
7. Building a Simple Inspection Routine
You don’t need a complex system to improve safety. Start with:
- Clear inspection frequency for ladders and scaffolds
- A competent person responsible for checks
- Visible tags or records at the point of use
- A process to remove equipment from service when defects are found
- Regular review of the inspection process and records
Consistency is what makes the difference.
Final Thought
Regular ladder and scaffold inspections aren’t about paperwork—they’re about awareness, accountability, and preventing avoidable incidents.
When inspections are clear, visible, and consistently logged, everyone on site benefits.
Check it. Tag it. Use it safely.
