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REASONS FOR ACCIDENTS
The following list of hazards and examples of their causes, which is not exhaustive, are
common reasons for accidents encountered when using stools and are the basis on which
the information in this standard has been developed:
a) Loss of stability:
1) Incorrect positioning of the stool (such as not fully opening a step stool);
2) Slide outwards at the bottom (such as bottom of the step stools sliding away
from the wall);
3) Side slip, falling sideways and top flip (such as overreaching or fragile top
contact surface);
4) Condition of the step stool (such as missing anti-slip feet);
5) Stepping off an unsecured step stool at height;
6) Ground conditions (such as unstable soft ground, sloping ground, slippery
surfaces or contaminated solid surfaces);
7) Adverse weather conditions (such as windy conditions);
8) Collision with the step stool (such as vehicle or door);
9) Incorrect choice of step stool (such as too short, unsuitable task).
b) From handling:
1) Transferring the step stool to the work position;
2) Erecting and dismantling the step stool;
3) Carrying items up the step stool.
c) Slip trip and fall of user:
1) Inappropriate footwear;
2) Contaminated rungs or steps;
3) Unsafe user practices (such as climbing 2 rungs at time, sliding down stiles).
d) Structural failure of step stool:
1) Condition of the step stool (such as damaged stiles, wear);
2) Overloading the step stool.
e) Electrical hazards:
1) Unavoidable live working (e.g. fault finding);
2) Positioning step stools too close to live electrical equipment (such as overhead
power lines);
3) Step stools damaging electrical equipment (such as covers or protective
insulation);
4) Incorrect selection of type of step stool for electrical work.
