Are platform brackets fitted on ladders safe to use?

What happened?

A worker was standing on a plank supported by a ladder platform bracket used on an aluminium extension ladder.

The worker lost their balance and fell off the plank.

He fell 4.5m (15ft) and was seriously injured.

Why did it happen?

Worker did not have had three points of contact whilst standing on the plank.

The use of ladder platform brackets generally increases the risk of:

Falls when climbing up and over the scaffolding plank
Ladder falling backwards – the centre of gravity is further back than when worker stands on the ladder rungs.
Rung failure caused by the extra point loading from the bracket onto the ladder rungs.
Plank falling due to the bracket becoming dislodged – locking mechanisms failing etc.

What did they learn?

Ladder platform brackets are discouraged for use in any workplace. They should not be used for construction work.

Ladders should only be used to access a work area, used for short periods of time and for work that can only be carried out on the ladder.

The ladder used should suit the task being undertaken, have a load rating of at least 120kg (265lbs.) and be intended for industrial use.

Ladders should be set up on a solid, stable surface and set up correctly to prevent it from slipping:

Single and extension ladders can be prevented from slipping by:

placing ladders at a slope of 4:1, and setting up stepladders in the fully opened position.
securing ladders at the top or bottom, or if necessary, at both ends.

Platform brackets should not be fitted on ladders

Ask yourself or your crew

Should the worker have been wearing PPE to have prevented their fall? If yes, what PPE?

How do you know that the ladder you are using is fit for purpose?

What should you do if you saw platform brackets fitted on ladders being used on your site?

What happened?

A worker was standing on a plank supported by a ladder platform bracket used on an aluminium extension ladder.
The worker lost their balance and fell off the plank.
He fell 4.5m (15ft) and was seriously injured.
Why did it happen?
Worker did not have had three points of contact whilst standing on the plank.
The use of ladder platform brackets generally increases the risk of:
- Falls when climbing up and over the scaffolding plank
- Ladder falling backwards – the centre of gravity is further back than when worker stands on the ladder rungs.
- Rung failure caused by the extra point loading from the bracket onto the ladder rungs.
- Plank falling due to the bracket becoming dislodged – locking mechanisms failing etc.
What did they learn?
Ladder platform brackets are discouraged for use in any workplace. They should not be used for construction work.
Ladders should only be used to access a work area, used for short periods of time and for work that can only be carried out on the ladder.
The ladder used should suit the task being undertaken, have a load rating of at least 120kg (265lbs.) and be intended for industrial use.
Ladders should be set up on a solid, stable surface and set up correctly to prevent it from slipping:
Single and extension ladders can be prevented from slipping by:
- placing ladders at a slope of 4:1, and setting up stepladders in the fully opened position.
- securing ladders at the top or bottom, or if necessary, at both ends.
Ask yourself or your crew

Should the worker have been wearing PPE to have prevented their fall? If yes, what PPE?
How do you know that the ladder you are using is fit for purpose?
What should you do if you saw platform brackets fitted on ladders being used on your site?