The biggest no-no for working with stepladders is to use them in the closed position as a leaning ladder.  Stepladders aren't designed for this purpose, but people often take the risk and use their stepladders as a straight ladder when they need to get closer to the wall, and don't want to fetch the right ladder, or don't have one.  The risk of doing this is that the ladder feet are designed to lay flat when the ladder is open, so when the ladder is closed the feet do not form a safe connection with the ground.  This leads to the ladder slipping out from under the user, as well as increasing the risk of the ladder toppling over to the side.

Now, some ladder manufacturers are producing stepladders which can be used in the closed position as a way of reducing the risk of people using stepladders incorrectly and in order to provide ladder using professionals with more multi-purpose ladders.  These leaning stepladders have different feet, either with a curve or a swivel foot to provide more stability in both the open and closed positions.  The top of the ladder is also different, having a stability pad at the top which leans against the wall – standard stepladders don't have this.  The back legs can be locked to the front to avoid them coming out while the ladder is leaning and pushing the ladder back, causing the person using it to fall backwards.

These new ladders will have a sticker clearly defining them as safe to use in the closed position, so ladder users should always check whether this is the case before using any stepladder in the closed position.  Professionals should ensure they always use the correct ladder for the job and if they are thinking of replacing their stepladder, then one of these leaning stepladders is the perfect replacement.  It is also advisable to check with the company policy, to ensure that using the ladder in this way does not contravene any company safety procedures.

Little Giant Ladders have also developed a new style of ladder which adds stability.  Their SumoStance extension ladders are equipped with stabilising outriggers, which add a higher degree of stability than spreader bars and many other types of ladder stabilising system.  The stabilisers are adjustable in 1cm increments to allow for all types of terrain.  These ladders are bright green for extra visibility on site and in the community; they also have a spirit level type system which helps users set up the ladder in the correct position every time.  Other Little Giant safety features include a side mounted pulley system for the taller ladders, to make extending them easier and safer, as well as their Ground Cue system, which sounds an alert when the bottom rung is touched.  This system aims to reduce accidents caused by users not realising they are at the end of the ladder and over-stepping.  With the tallest option reaching over 8 metres in height, these safety features will be a welcome reassurance.

In the world of ladders there are always developments happening to make them safer and easier to use.  While the standard form of the ladder will always be the same, these developments add up to create a much safer access method than ladders were even five years ago.  If you're a regular user of ladders you should seriously consider investing in a modern ladder with all these safety features to help keep you protected against avoidable accidents.  If the cost puts you off, consider the value of your health to yourself and your family, as well as the loss of earnings you will endure if you have an accident – it's surely more than the cost of a ladder upgrade.