Ladders Last: A safer way ‘up’ at VIRTUS

You only need to spend a few weeks in the world of health and safety before your ‘friends’ begin the notably funny practice of sharing several memes a day. The constant theme is; on the face of it, we aren’t too popular on a job site! 

However, once you look a little deeper and step back from the social media barrage, all it takes is for you to have witnessed someone precariously balanced on the top rung of a ladder – tools in hand – and you’ll understand the sense of unease that moment can evoke. At that moment, you too would be joining the health and safety team!

At VIRTUS we have a very clear goal, which is simple: 

‘Everyone should leave as safe and well as when they arrived — or even better’

Having worked in health and safety for more years than I care to admit, I’ve seen more close calls than I can count. Unfortunately, a number of these incidents were entirely preventable. That’s why I’m proud to announce the implementation of our “Ladders Last” policy across all VIRTUS’ data centre campuses and project sites.

What is ‘Ladders Last’?

In essence, ‘Ladders Last’ is a proactive safety policy that prioritises safer alternatives to ladders wherever possible. It reflects a shift from relying on protection to focusing on prevention. Our guiding question is simple:

“Is there a safer way to reach that height?”

If the answer is ‘yes’, and it often is, we choose that safer method. Whether it’s a mobile platform, scaffold tower, or personnel lift, our objective is to eliminate the hazard rather than merely manage it with PPE and good fortune.

Ladder use requires approval

Ladders are not prohibited, but they are now considered a last resort. Any task requiring ladder use must undergo a written assessment and receive formal sign-off. This deliberate pause encourages critical thinking and reinforces our commitment to safety.

Safer alternatives are the new standard

We’ve invested in equipment and training to make safer access the default:

• Scissor lifts and personnel hoists for overhead cable work
• Rolling stair platforms for plant room and server access
• Lightweight scaffold systems for maintenance at height
• Mobile steps with guardrails for navigating between equipment

If a ladder must be used…

We’ve raised expectations here as well:

• All extension ladders must be equipped with top-fixing grips and stabilising outriggers
• Work on uneven surfaces requires proper levelling – no shims or improvised supports
• Tasks above 1.8 metres mandate fall arrest systems – without exception

Why it matters  

Let’s be candid: policies like this require effort. It’s often quicker to grab a ladder and get on with the job. 

At VIRTUS, we believe that speed should never come at the expense of safety. While lifts and platforms may appear more costly on paper, they pale in comparison to the human and financial cost of an injury.

More than compliance - it’s culture

'Ladders Last' is more than a policy; it’s a reflection of the culture we’re cultivating at VIRTUS. A culture where safety is not a checkbox, but a shared value. It’s about looking out for one another, thinking ahead, and fostering an environment where people feel protected and respected.

We’ve already seen a measurable reduction in ladder use across our sites and more importantly, an increase in conversations around safer working practices. That tells us the policy is not only being adopted, but embraced.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, this initiative is about people. Whether it’s a contractor on-site for a single day or a long-standing team member, their safety is our responsibility.

So next time you reach for a ladder, take a moment to ask yourself:

“Is there a better way?”

At VIRTUS, the answer is usually yes - and now, we’re making that the standard. Stay safe.