Get your Christmas jobs done safely and on time with Browns Ladders
14/11/2025
As Christmas approaches, it’s not just the festive lights that are going up, it’s also the to-do lists! Whether you’re a professional tradesperson racing to finish projects before the holidays, or a homeowner determined to get your house sparkling and ready for guests, the run-up to Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for practical jobs.
We know that getting things done efficiently and safely is key. Since 1948, we’ve been helping people across the UK reach new heights, literally, with our range of quality ladders, platforms, and access equipment. This winter, we want to help you work smarter, safer, and get everything wrapped up in time for Christmas.
Below, we’ve put together a festive guide to help you plan your pre-Christmas projects, choose the right equipment, and stay safe while you work, whether you’re climbing up to hang twinkling lights, finishing a painting job, or packing away stock before the New Year.
Decorating safely at height
Hanging Christmas lights around your home or workplace can be one of the most satisfying seasonal jobs but also one of the riskiest if you’re not prepared. Every winter, A&E departments see an increase in ladder-related injuries caused by slips, overreaching, or using the wrong equipment.
Stay safe with these simple steps:
- Check your ladder before use – Look for any signs of wear, damage, or loose parts. Browns Ladders always recommends inspecting your ladder before every use.
- Set up on stable ground – Never place a ladder on uneven surfaces like gravel, decking, or icy ground. Use a ladder mat or stabiliser if needed.
- Maintain three points of contact – Keep two feet and one hand (or two hands and one foot) in contact with the ladder at all times.
- Don’t overstretch – Move the ladder rather than reaching too far to the side.
- Choose the right ladder for the job – For most light-hanging or gutter jobs, an extension ladder or combination ladder is ideal.
If you’re decorating indoors – hanging wreaths, putting up garlands, or setting up lights on staircases – a platform step ladder or folding step stool is safer and easier to move around.
Recommended products:
- Lyte Trade Extension Ladders — EN131-certified for professional safety and durability.
- Zarges Combination Ladders — perfect for reaching tricky spots safely, both inside and out.
- Werner Fibreglass Platform Steps — great for decorators and electricians working indoors.
By choosing a high-quality, safety-tested ladder, you can enjoy the festive glow of your decorations without worrying about accidents.
Home improvements before the holidays
December is the perfect time to tackle those last few maintenance jobs you’ve been putting off all year. Maybe it’s clearing the gutters before winter storms, repainting the hallway, or checking your loft insulation before the temperatures drop.
Whatever’s on your list, the right ladder or work platform can make every job faster, easier, and safer.
Common pre-Christmas jobs and the ladders to match:
- Cleaning gutters & rooflines: Use an extension ladder with a stabiliser for extra safety and reach. Avoid leaning on the gutter itself — it can break under your weight.
- Touch-up painting & decorating: A platform step ladder gives you a secure, flat surface for working at low to mid-height levels.
- Accessing the loft: When retrieving Christmas decorations or storing gifts, a sturdy loft ladder can make all the difference. Browns Ladders supplies a wide range, from aluminium models to premium timber designs.
- Indoor cleaning & maintenance: A lightweight step ladder or step stool are perfect for reaching shelves, cleaning ceiling lights, or hanging garlands safely indoors.
Pro Tip:
Never use makeshift solutions like chairs or furniture to reach high areas, it’s one of the most common causes of festive falls!
Finishing site work before the holiday break
For many tradespeople and contractors, December means long days and tight deadlines. There’s always pressure to finish projects before the Christmas shutdown, but rushing can easily lead to accidents, especially when working at height.
That’s why Browns Ladders not only supplies professional-grade access equipment, but also helps businesses stay compliant with safety standards through our ladder inspection services and health and safety training courses.
If you’re wrapping up site work this winter, make sure to:
- Inspect all access equipment before use, as even a small defect can compromise safety.
- Ensure your ladders and towers comply with EN131 or BS2037 standards.
- Keep ladders clean and dry to avoid slips from mud, paint, or moisture.
- Use the right ladder for the task — step ladders for low work, extension ladders for height, and scaffold towers for prolonged jobs.
- Plan for early dusk — shorter daylight hours mean reduced visibility. Always ensure adequate lighting if working outside.
Our safety services include:
- Ladder Inspections – comprehensive checks carried out by qualified professionals.
- Ladder Safety & Work at Height Training – hands-on sessions for individuals and teams.
- Record Keeping & Certification – so your business stays compliant year-round.
Booking an inspection or training course now can set you up for a safer and smoother start to 2026. Visit Browns Safety Services to learn more.
Why quality ladders make all the difference
At first glance, a ladder might seem like a simple tool, but when you’re working at height, it’s a vital piece of safety equipment. A quality ladder isn’t just more durable; it’s more stable, more comfortable, and built to protect you while you work.
All of Browns Ladders’ products are sourced from leading UK and European manufacturers, including Zarges, Lyte, Werner, and Murdoch. They meet or exceed British and European safety standards, including EN131 and BS2037.
When you buy from Browns Ladders, you’re not just getting a ladder, you’re getting:
- Expert advice from an experienced team that’s been in the business for over 77 years.
- High-quality, safety-tested products suitable for trade or domestic use.
- Fast nationwide delivery and a friendly customer service team ready to help.
So whether you’re a roofer finishing up jobs before the break or a homeowner hanging lights in the garden, you can rely on Browns Ladders to help you get it done safely and efficiently.
Make safety a New Year’s resolution
Once the holidays are over, it’s a great time to review your ladders and access equipment. Ask yourself:
- Are my ladders still in good condition?
- Do I have the right ladder for each type of task?
- Are my staff trained in safe use?
Browns Ladders can help you with all of this — from equipment checks and repairs to training and replacements. We even offer bulk ladder inspection services for companies that want to start the new year fully compliant and safe.
Festive efficiency: working smarter, not harder
December is short, cold, and busy, so organisation is key. Here are a few quick tips to help you stay productive in the weeks before Christmas:
- Plan your jobs in order of daylight. Outdoor work first, indoor work later.
- Check your tools and equipment before you start as missing items can waste valuable time.
- Use the right height ladder. Too short or too tall can make a job awkward or unsafe.
- Bundle similar tasks together. For example, clean all high shelves or fixtures in one go while the ladder is out.
- Stay warm and hydrated. Cold weather can reduce grip strength and balance, so take breaks and wear proper PPE.
By working smartly and safely, you’ll not only finish faster, you’ll enjoy the season more knowing everything’s done right.
Helping you reach every goal this Christmas
Whether it’s hanging fairy lights, finishing a site project, or preparing your business for the new year, Browns Ladders is here to support you every step (and every rung) of the way.
With over seven decades of experience, a full catalogue of certified ladders, platforms, and towers, and a dedicated safety services division, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s most trusted names in access equipment.
So this Christmas, make sure your ladder is as reliable as your festive spirit.
Shop online today at brownsladders.co.uk or speak to our friendly team for expert advice on 01282 615517.