In Forestry, Ladders are a common way to work at height - and a common source of falls when they are misused. This guide explains how Forestry teams in Ireland use Ladders safely, and why a Working at Heights Course ties it all together.
Ladders in Forestry: where the risk lies
An arborist sectioning a storm-damaged tree in a Wicklow plantation, relying entirely on climbing systems and a rescue-ready colleague. Ladders are suited to short-duration, light work where three points of contact can be kept and a better platform is not justified, but in a Forestry setting the margin for error is small.
Pre-use checks for Ladders
Before any Forestry worker uses Ladders, confirm that:
- Rungs are secure, clean and not worn
- Locking mechanisms and stays work fully
- Stiles are straight and undamaged
- No makeshift repairs, paint hiding cracks, or missing parts
The relevant standard here is EN 131 (the current European standard for portable ladders; older Class 1 / EN 131 markings indicate industrial duty).
Common Ladders faults to never ignore
- Mud or grease on rungs reducing grip
- Bent or split stiles
- Loose or damaged rungs
- Seized locking bars
Aerial tree work is specialist height work needing dedicated arborist training and rescue capability.
The Working at Heights Course makes compliance simple
The practical fix is straightforward. Our Working at Heights Course is delivered fully online, takes about 45 minutes, and issues a downloadable certificate the same day. It is CPD certified, RoSPA approved and QQI aligned, and it is written specifically for Forestry teams using Ladders.
The Working at Heights Training covers the avoid-prevent-minimise hierarchy, ladder and stepladder safety, MEWPs and scaffolds, harnesses and anchor points, and how to carry out a proper risk assessment. Every learner finishes with a recognised Working at Heights Certificate that stands up to HSA inspection and supports your insurance position.
Training that goes beyond the tick-box
Competence is not the same as experience. A worker who has used ladders for twenty years can still carry twenty years of bad habits. Refresher training matters for Ladders in Forestry precisely because confidence drifts away from the rules over time, and a quick refresher resets it.
Insurers now ask directly whether your team holds current Working at Heights certification before they price a policy or settle a claim involving Ladders in Forestry. A worker hurt at height with no Working at Heights Certificate turns a defensible incident into an indefensible one, and that follows your premium for years.
Frequently asked questions
Do Forestry workers need training to use Ladders?
Yes. Safe use of Ladders is part of working at height. A Working at Heights Course covers selection, inspection and safe use for Forestry tasks.
How often should Ladders be inspected?
Before every use by the operator, plus formal recorded inspections to the relevant standard. Keep the logs for HSA inspection.
Is online training enough for Forestry height work?
Our online Working at Heights Training covers the legal and safe-system knowledge; equipment-specific practical tickets (such as IPAF or PASMA) are added where the task requires them.
More on staying safe at height
The most expensive mistake employers make with ladders in forestry is treating training as a box-ticking exercise. The Health and Safety Authority does not just want a certificate on file; it wants evidence that the worker understood the avoid-prevent-minimise hierarchy and applied it on the day. A genuine Working at Heights Course builds that understanding, which is exactly why our online programme uses real scenarios rather than slides.
Get certified today
Do not wait for an HSA inspection or a near miss to act. Forestry teams can complete the Working at Heights Course online in 45 minutes and download a certificate the same day. For 10 or more learners, see our team training rates, or contact our team for a tailored quote.
Start the online Working at Heights Training now and put a recognised certificate in every worker's file before the next job at height begins.
