How to Use Step Ladders Safely​: Your 6 Step Guide

May 14, 2025 | Nate Cord

Whether you’re hanging fairy lights, putting up some shelves, painting a wall, or reaching for that box of Christmas decorations, using a step ladder safely is key.

It might feel like second nature, but even quick jobs can go wrong if you’re not careful. A wobbly step, a slippery floor, or trying to reach just a bit too far – sound familiar? We’ve all been there at some point, don’t worry.

In this comprehensive step ladder guide, we’ll cover simple, no-nonsense safety tips to help you stay steady and avoid any ladder-related mishaps. Plus, we’ll answer some of the most common step ladder safety questions people often ask.

First things first…

How Does Step Ladder Work​?

A step ladder is a self-supporting, portable ladder that consists of flat steps and a hinged frame, designed to be used by placing it in an “A” shape.

Many step ladders come with a small platform at the top where you can stand or place tools (depending on the type).

Step ladders come in a variety of different sizes – short for small jobs like changing lightbulbs, tall for jobs like painting stairwells. The key is choosing the right height so you’re not stretching or standing on the top step.

The main difference between a ladder (also known as an extension ladder) and a step ladder is that a step ladder can stand up on its own, whereas a straight ladder must be leaned up against a wall (or any other vertical structure that’s strong enough to support it).

Looking for a quality step ladder for home or business use? Browse our wide range of step ladders here. Ps. all of our step ladders come with free delivery and a minimum of a 1-year warranty.

Our Hailo step ladders feature an impressive 10 year warranty, giving you complete peace of mind.

How to Use a Step Ladder Safely: Your 5 Step Guide

As we touched on briefly above, using a step ladder might seem like common sense, but it’s actually surprisingly easy to overlook the little things that can lead to slips, trips, or worse.

So, here are 5 tips you should follow to use a step ladder safely:

1. Check the Stepladder Thoroughly Before You Climb

Before you even think about taking your first step, take a minute to give your stepladder a proper once-over.

It might feel like a bit OTT, especially if you’ve used it a hundred times before, but small faults can lead to big accidents.

You want to be looking for any visible signs of damage, whether it be cracks in the frame, loose or bent steps, or anything that doesn’t look quite right.

Also look at the hinges and locking mechanisms to make sure they’re working smoothly and that the ladder opens fully and stays locked in place.

Give the feet a quick check too – they should be clean, secure, and have good grip.

2. Ensure It’s on a Hard, Flat Surface

Another tip you need to consider before you climb is to make sure your step ladder is set up on a surface that’s solid, level, and stable. It might seem like a small detail, but uneven or soft ground is one of the most common causes of wobbly ladders.

Avoid placing it on carpets that could shift, gravel or grass that can sink, or uneven paving that makes one side sit higher than the other.

3. Face the Steps and Go One Step at a Time

When you’ve done your safety checks and it’s time to climb, it might be tempting to rush – especially if it’s just a “quick job”, but one of the simplest and safest things you can do is to always face the steps and take it slow, one step at a time.

Keep your body facing the ladder, your hands firmly on the rails, and don’t skip steps, even if you’re in a hurry.

4. Don’t Carry Too Much Heavy Equipment

Another important safety precaution when using a step ladder is to not carry too much heavy equipment.

Carrying too much in your hands not only throws off your balance, but it increases the chance of dropping something – putting you at risk of falling or injuring someone nearby.

Instead, we recommend that you use a tool belt or a small bag to carry your essentials.

5. Don’t Stand on the Top Cap

It might seem like an easy shortcut to reach just that little bit higher, but standing on the top cap of your step ladder is a big safety no-no.

The top cap is not designed to hold your weight, and standing there can seriously affect the stability of the ladder.

If you’re close enough to the top and still can’t reach your task, it’s best that you either reposition the ladder or use a taller one, whether that’s a taller step ladder or a different type of ladder all together, like an extension ladder.

Can Step Ladders Be Used as Straight Ladders​?

The simple answer to this question is no – standard step ladders are not designed to be used as straight ladders. This is because they’re built to be self-supporting, meaning they stand upright without needing to lean against anything.

Trying to open up a step ladder and then prop it like a straight ladder isn’t just unsafe, it can be downright dangerous. The structure, balance, and locking mechanisms simply aren’t made to handle that kind of use, and you risk the ladder slipping, collapsing, or damaging whatever it’s leaning against.

That said, there are some combination ladders, like this Aluminium Multipurpose Ladder 3.4m, that are designed to be used both as step ladders and straight ladders, so in that case it’s perfectly safe.

For more ladder tips and insights, check out our blog page, including articles such as ‘How to Store Ladders Safely’, ‘How Often Should Ladders be Inspected?’ and ‘The Best Step Ladders for Elderly People’.

All of our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after sales support from our experts.

If you require additional advice or have a question for our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us using our contact form or via phone at +441639849847.