Podium Step Inspections

Podium Step Inspections – Ensure Safe Access, Compliance & Worker Protection

Why Podium Step Inspections Are Essential for Your Business

Podium steps are widely regarded as one of the safest options for low-level working heights. Featuring guard rails and a secure platform, they help prevent falls and injuries better than traditional stepladders. However, podium steps still present risks if they are not properly maintained, assembled, or inspected. A notable case in 2020 saw a company fined over £50,000 after an improperly modified podium step caused a worker to fall two metres and sustain serious spinal injuries. This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of adhering to manufacturer guidelines and conducting thorough inspections regularly.

Under UK law, podium steps must comply with British Standard BS 8620, which sets out essential benchmarks for strength, stability, and access safety. The Work at Height Regulations (WAHR) promote the use of such safer platforms where possible as alternatives to ladders, as falls from height continue to cause approximately 14 deaths and 1,200 injuries in the UK each year. Employers must provide properly maintained, suitable access equipment, with robust inspection regimes to ensure ongoing safety and legal compliance.

Comprehensive Podium Step Inspection Solutions

At HSE Store, we supply a full range of podium step inspection products from Good to Go Safety to help you manage risk effectively and meet your statutory duties:

• Podium Step Safety Checklist Books: User-friendly checklists guiding pre-use and periodic inspections, covering all aspects of condition, stability, guard rail integrity, wheels, stabilisers, and footings. Each completed checklist produces a duplicate copy for managerial records and audit purposes.

• Status Tags: Attached clearly at the entry point of the podium step, these tags visually remind users to complete inspection checks. The tag displays the date and result of the last inspection and uses “Do Not Use” warnings if faults are found, immediately flagging unsafe equipment.

• Tamper Evident Seals: Secure the inspection documents and status tags to prevent unauthorised tampering or false clearance.

• Information Posters: On-site visual reminders encouraging safe use and inspection routines among workers.

• Storage Wallets & Boxes: Protect and organise checkbooks, tags and accessories, ensuring easy access for operators and safety compliance officers.

These products are designed to provide flexible inspection schedules to suit your frequency of use and working environment, helping you implement an auditable, effective safety culture.

Benefits of Podium Step Inspections

Implementing a systematic inspection programme for podium steps offers significant benefits:

• Prevent Serious Injuries: Spot defects such as missing stabilisers, incorrect assembly, or damage to guard rails before they pose risks to users.

• Meet Legal Requirements: Adhere to PUWER and WAHR provisions for work equipment maintenance and inspections, avoiding fines and enforcement action.

• Reduce Operational Delays: Prevent unexpected failures that could halt work or lead to costly downtime.

• Provide Visible Safety Assurance: Status tags and visible checklists promote confidence and accountability on-site.

• Maintain Clear Records: Duplicate checklists create verified audit trails, invaluable during inspections and following any incidents.

Suitable Industries and Who Uses Podium Step Inspection Products

Podium step inspections are essential across a wide variety of UK sectors where safe access equipment is used:

• Construction and Building Maintenance

• Facilities Management and Cleaning Services

• Warehousing and Logistics

• Retail and Event Industry

• Manufacturing and Industrial Operations

Key users and stakeholders include:

• Operators and Technicians: Performing daily pre-use checks before accessing the work platform.

• Site Supervisors and Safety Officers: Managing inspection schedules and reviewing equipment safety status.

• Health & Safety Managers: Auditing records, conducting compliance checks and driving safety awareness.

• Maintenance Teams: Addressing defects and scheduling repairs promptly.

• Company Directors and Owners: Responsible for ensuring compliance with health and safety laws and protecting employees.

How the Good to Go Safety Podium Step Inspection System Works

HSE Store’s Good to Go Safety system combines practical inspection tools with clear visual communication:

1. A status tag is securely attached at the access point of each podium step for easy visibility.

2. Before use, the operator completes the podium step safety checklist, verifying all aspects of the step’s condition and functionality.

3. The completed checklist is inserted into the status tag, displaying inspection results and date prominently.

4. If faults are present, the tag clearly reads “Do Not Use”, preventing unsafe equipment from entering service.

5. A duplicate checklist copy is kept within the check book for management review and audit purposes.

6. Inspection frequency is flexible, allowing daily, weekly, or ad-hoc checks depending on usage and environment, ensuring a system tailored to your site’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often should podium steps be inspected?
Inspections should be carried out before each use and periodically according to frequency of use and environment — typically daily or weekly. Extended intervals may be possible for infrequent use but must be risk assessed.

2. Who should perform podium step inspections?
Operators should perform pre-use checks. Competent persons or designated safety personnel should manage periodic inspections and ensure documentation is accurate and complete.

3. What should I do if a fault is found during inspection?
Tag the podium step as “Do Not Use” immediately, remove it from service, and report the defect to maintenance or management for repair before further use.

4. Are podium steps regulated under PUWER and WAHR?
Yes. Podium steps are considered work equipment and fall under PUWER and Work at Height Regulations for maintenance, inspection, and safe use.

5. Why use dedicated podium step inspection products instead of generic checklists?
Dedicated products follow BS 8620 and industry best practices, ensuring all safety-critical elements are checked. Visible status tags provide instant communication and ensure compliance with statutory record-keeping requirements.

Choose HSE Store for industry-leading Podium Step Inspection products—secure compliance, improve safety, and protect your workforce every time elevated access is required.