What Is a Podium Step Ladder​? Your Buying Guide

June 4, 2025 | Nate Cord

If you’ve ever found yourself wobbling a bit too much on a step ladder or stretching just a bit too far to reach that awkward spot, then let us introduce you to podium step ladders.

Designed with safety and practicality in mind, this type of ladder offers a more secure platform for working at low to medium heights.

In this buying guide, we’ll walk you through what podium step ladders are typically used for, what makes them so different, our 5 top picks, as well as some safety facts, to help you decide if a podium step ladder is the right choice for your job.

So, let’s start with the basics…

What Can Podium Steps Be Used For?

Podium steps are a great choice for a range of different tasks where you just need a little bit of extra height but still want to feel safe and secure while mounted.

They’re commonly used in places like warehouses, construction sites, offices, and even retail settings, and they can be used for jobs like maintenance work, electrical installations, decorating, stock picking, or accessing hard-to-reach areas.

Because they’ve got a wide, stable platform and guardrails, they’re especially handy for jobs where you need to be up there for more than a few seconds or need both hands free to work.

The Benefits of Using a Podium Step Ladder

Using a podium step ladder comes with quite a few benefits, especially, as we’ve already touched on above, if you’re after something safer and more comfortable than a standard ladder.

The first major benefit is stability, and this is because podium steps have a much larger platform to stand on, so you’re not needing to balance on a narrow rung. This is ideal if you’re needing to use the ladder for long periods, as no one wants to feel unsteady for that long! Most podium ladders also come with guardrails or handrails, giving you extra protection while working at height.

Due to its enclosed platform, this type of ladder is also great for hands-free working which just isn’t the case with some other types of ladders out there.

Another big advantage is that many podium steps are easy to move around and fold away neatly, so they’re practical on busy sites or in storage-tight spaces.

If you’re looking for a quality podium step ladder, you’re in the right place. At Ladders4Sale, our podium steps are made from lightweight aluminium from the biggest brands including Lyte, Werner, Climb IT and Zarges, and all come with free UK delivery and a minimum 1 year warranty.

And if you have a question for our experts, feel free to give us a call on 01639 849847.

The 5 Best Podium Step Ladders in 2025

Our experts have hand-selected 5 of the best podium step ladders in 2025, carefully chosen for their safety features, durability, and ease of use.

1. Climb IT Fibreglass Podium Step

If you’re after a safe, affordable, reliable platform step ladder, the Climb-It Fibreglass Podium Step is a solid choice.

These steps are insulated up to 30,000 volts, making them ideal for working around electrical hazards. Each step also features a generous 406mm wide by 475mm deep platform, complete with a high safety rail to keep you secure while working at height.

Stabilisers add 68mm to the width when open, giving you extra stability, while rubber feet and aluminium side arms help prevent slipping or twisting.

The Climb IT fibreglass step also features a handy tool tray & wheels, enabling easy positioning in your work environment.

2. Leader POD1.0M Podium Step

Next up is the Leader podium step – a hassle-free access solution that’s quick and easy to set up, thanks to its compact all-in-one folding design.

It features fixed stabilisers that attach securely to the frame, an anti-surf design as standard, and saloon-style gates for easy access and added safety, supported by one-way opening safety stoppers. A self-closing gate is also available for extra convenience.

With this product, you can choose between two platform heights – 1.0m or 0.75m – depending on your needs.

The unit folds away flat for easy storage and transport, with compact storage dimensions of 2.01m high, 1.37m long, and 0.26m wide.

Supplied with stabilisers and certified to BS 8620, the Leader podium step is built for professional use and comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

3. Clow Glass Fibre Professional Superglas AR Wide Platform Step

The all-new Clow Superglass EN131 Professional AR Wide Platform Step is a tough, heavy-duty platform step designed for all-round use. It offers secure 360-degree access from a strong, extra-large platform, complete with sturdy handrails and a wraparound guardrail for added safety.

Ideal for use on-site, this step folds down easily for portability and is simple to move around, thanks to its built-in transport wheels.

The wide integrated handrails, rear wraparound guardrail, and gravity-locking front guardrail create a stable, non-slip platform – perfect for a wide range of tasks.

Fully compliant with the latest EN131 Professional Standard and tested to EN131-2, the Superglass AR Platform Step supports up to 150kg

4. Little Giant Safety Cage Series 2.0 HiViz GRP Fibreglass Podium Step

The Little Giant Safety Cage allows you to reach work areas that usually need tying off, scaffolding, or lifts, but with far less time and effort than traditional climbing methods.

It offers a comfortable standing platform, fully enclosed with a toe kick and wraparound guard, making it quicker, safer, and often cheaper than scaffolding or using a lift.

Many industries require workers to tie off to an anchor point when working at height to stay safe, but that can be tricky to manage. The Safety Cage, compliant with EN131-7 and OSHA standards, removes the need for tying off, helping you get the job done faster and more efficiently.

With adjustable outriggers for extra side-to-side stability, the Little Giant Safety Cage it’s a stable and reliable climbing solution that’s perfect for the job site.

5. Climb It Extra Large Platform Safety Steps with Adjustable Stabilisers

Last but certainly not least, we have the Climb It Extra Large Platform Safety Steps, designed for heavy-duty tasks and built to meet the tough EN 131 professional standard.

These warehouse steps come reinforced with adjustable stabilisers and feature a non-slip platform, giving you top-notch safety you can rely on.

The surrounding guardrail, complete with spring-operated gates, provides extra peace of mind while you work. Thanks to non-slip braked castors, these safety steps are easy to move around, and they can support loads up to 150kg.

These steps offer a maximum load capacity of 150kg.

How Often Should Podium Steps Be Inspected?

As with any ladder when working at a height, you should inspect podium steps before each use. That’s right, every single time, because you can never be too sure.

Now, it doesn’t have to be a full checklist situation, but a quick visual once-over can catch things like damaged parts, loose components, or anything that looks off.

As well as this, it’s good practice to do a more formal inspection weekly, especially on busy sites or if the steps are getting heavy use.

Do Podium Steps Need a Scafftag?

The short answer? Not always – but it all really depends on how and where they’re being used.

For example, if the podium steps are being used on a construction site or in an industrial setting, tagging them with something like a Scafftag system can be a good safety move as It shows they’ve been inspected and are safe to use.

So, while it’s not a legal requirement (like it is for scaffolding), many companies adopt the same kind of system to stay compliant with internal safety protocols or site policies.

Can Podium Steps Topple Over​?

All types of ladders can topple over if they’re not set up or used correctly… and podium steps are no exception.

While they’re designed to be more stable than your typical ladder, there’s still a possibility that they can tip if:

• They’re placed on uneven ground
• The user overreaches or leans too far to one side
• The weight limit exceeded
• The wheels aren’t locked properly

Looking for a reliable step ladder or other premium access equipment? At Ladders4Sale, we offer a range of ladders, platforms, steps, towers and accessories for all trade and do-it-yourself jobs at unbeatable low prices.

What’s more, all of our products come with lifetime support – after your initial purchase, we continue to provide ongoing support and assistance for free. In addition to this, all orders come with free shipping to mainland UK.

And for more expert insights on all things ladders, head over to our ladder blog, including articles such as ‘The best heavy duty step ladders in 2025’, ‘What size ladder do I need for my caravan roof?’ and ‘How to use step ladder safely’.