Victorians encouraged to make ladder safety a top priority during the summer season

Victorians Encouraged to Make Ladder Safety a Top Priority During the Summer Season

Victorians are being urged to put ladder safety first while decorating their homes for Christmas. The Victorian government's message comes as part of broader efforts to reduce preventable falls across the community during the festive period.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas urges Victorians to make safety a priority while using ladders, particularly given data from the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit. Statistics reveal a 49 per cent rise in hospital admissions for ladder-related falls at home among residents aged 55 and older over the past ten years.

Understanding the Risks of Ladder-Related Injuries

Falling off a ladder can lead to severe injuries, potentially resulting in death, including fractures of bones alongside trauma to the head and brain. Those who experience serious injuries often encounter difficulties fully recuperating from associated physical trauma, and recovery timelines can extend well beyond initial expectations.

These falls remain among the most common causes of home-based injuries during summer, when many households tackle outdoor projects, festive lighting installations, and general property maintenance. Working at height without proper precautions significantly increases risk, regardless of experience level.

Why Summer Brings Increased Ladder Risk

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas expressed awareness that Victorians are eager to decorate with Christmas lights and engage in home improvement projects this summer. Warmer weather typically sees more residents climbing ladders to clean gutters, trim trees, string up fire-safe lighting displays, or complete other seasonal jobs.

"If you're going to use a ladder, use common sense and take necessary precautions to prevent falls and serious injuries," the minister said.

Practical Ladder Safety Tips for Every Job

To follow ladder safety tips effectively, Victorians should consider these precautions before starting any home task:

• Inspect ladder equipment thoroughly for damage, loose fittings, or worn components before each use
• Make sure your ladder is safe by checking it sits on firm, level ground away from fire hazards or overhead power lines
• Maintain three points of contact while climbing ladders to reduce slip risk
• Avoid overreaching — reposition equipment rather than stretching beyond a safe working angle
• Wear appropriate footwear with good grip when working at height
• Ask a family member or neighbour to spot you, particularly for taller equipment or extended jobs

These simple steps help Victorians stay safe while completing seasonal tasks without unnecessary risk to themselves or others nearby.

Ladder Safety Extends Beyond the Home

While this campaign focuses on residential safety, similar principles apply to workplaces where employees regularly use ladders and other height-access equipment. Employers have obligations to provide appropriate training, maintain equipment to a safe standard, and ensure staff understand safe working practices when working at height.

Organisations seeking guidance on formalising these practices may find value in resources such as our Digital JSA Job Safety Analysis Template, which supports teams in identifying hazards before starting any job involving working at height or specialised equipment.

Broader Safety Campaigns Across Industries

This ladder safety push follows similar public health messaging seen throughout the year, reflecting a consistent commitment across government and industry to reduce preventable injuries. Related efforts have included campaigns urging NSW workplaces to make forklift safety a top priority, alongside broader calls for workplaces to prioritise safety during the festive season.

Seasonal safety concerns aren't limited to ladders and festive decorating. Victorian farmers have also been advised to prioritise safety during the harvesting season, highlighting how risk increases across multiple sectors when seasonal work intensifies.

Supporting Safer Practices With the Right Equipment and Documentation

Businesses managing ladder use, electrical installations, or other height-related equipment as part of daily operations can strengthen their safety approach with structured documentation. Our Electrical Safety Policy offers a framework for managing electrical risk alongside working-at-height tasks, which often overlap during installation or maintenance jobs.

For teams operating in New Zealand, our Electrical Safety Checklist provides practical support for identifying hazards before equipment goes into service.

Organisations wanting to digitise their broader safety documentation and inspection processes may also benefit from exploring our Safety Software solutions, which support consistent hazard identification across services, sites, and seasonal work programs.

Where to Find Further Support

Victorians wanting further guidance on ladder safety, home fire risk reduction, or general summer safety practices can view complete information from the Victorian government directly. Households are encouraged to take these warnings seriously, particularly given the sustained rise in falls among older residents documented over the past decade.

For businesses seeking assistance with safety documentation, templates, or compliance support relevant to their industry, our Support team remains available to help identify the right services and equipment for specific operational needs.