What Works Best for You: Step Ladders or Platform Ladders!

The use of Ladders at work or even at home has been cited as one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. A ladder accident is usually caused by choosing the wrong ladder for the job, which is one of the major causes of ladder accidents.

There are certain types of jobs where step ladders work well, while platform ladders might be better suited to another type. An overview of the differences between step ladders and platform ladders follows.

Platform Ladder vs Step Ladder: What's the Difference?

There are a few minor differences between these two types of ladders, but one of the biggest differences is the platform of the Platform Step Ladders. On a step ladder, you would be standing on a rung that is 3" wide, whereas, on a platform ladder, there is a wider platform that you can stand on.

Standing on the platform, with both feet planted firmly on the surface, usually, 12"x18" or larger, provides the user with the opportunity to stand comfortably. A step ladder will have the users standing on each step.

Pricing differences between step ladders and platform ladders

Platform ladders can be more expensive than Step Ladders, but their larger standing surfaces may make the platform ladder worth it in some cases. An individual can typically stand at the same height on a larger platform than they can on a ladder rung on a step ladder.

When comparing a 6-foot platform ladder to an 8-foot step ladder, the user will be standing at the same height on the platform as he or she would be on the 2nd rung down on the step ladder. Basic ladder safety dictates that one should never climb beyond the 2nd rung of a step ladder, so the larger standing surface is much safer.

Platform ladders are often more appropriate than Step Ladders UK under certain circumstances. The step ladders come at a lower price point, however, and might be a good option for those on a budget. It doesn't matter what kind of ladder you choose, you should always understand basic ladder safety before using it for any job.