Introduction
Falls from height remain the biggest cause of fatal accidents in the UK workplace, accounting for around a quarter of all work-related deaths each year. Thousands more suffer serious injuries.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) set out strict duties for employers, managers, and workers. Whether you’re running a construction site, a warehouse, or an office, if your people could be injured by a fall, these rules apply.
This guide breaks down what “working at height” means, what the law requires, and how to keep your workforce safe.
What Counts as Working at Height?
You are “working at height” if a person could be injured falling from:
- A ladder, scaffold, or mobile tower.
- A roof, mezzanine, or raised platform.
- Into a trench, pit, or opening in the ground.
It doesn’t matter how high—even a fall from a low platform can cause serious harm.
Employer Responsibilities
1. Avoid Work at Height Wherever Possible
- Can the task be done from the ground? (e.g., extendable tools, drones for inspection).
- Can equipment be lowered to a safe level for servicing or cleaning?
2. Assess the Risks
- Conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment before any work at height.
- Consider surfaces, weather conditions, fragile roofs, falling objects, and emergency rescue.
3. Use the Right Equipment
- Choose access equipment that minimises risk:
- Scaffolds / mobile towers for longer-duration work.
- MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) for flexible access.
- Ladders only for short-duration, low-risk tasks.
- Ensure equipment is inspected, maintained, and used by trained people.
4. Plan for Emergencies
- Have a rescue plan in place—not just “call 999.”
- Ensure workers know how to respond if someone falls into a harness or MEWP basket.
Worker Responsibilities
- Follow the safe system of work provided.
- Use equipment correctly and report defects immediately.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as harnesses when required.
- Never take shortcuts—falls are often caused by ignoring simple precautions.
Hierarchy of Control for Working at Height
- Avoid – eliminate the need for work at height.
- Prevent – if unavoidable, use collective protection (guardrails, scaffolds).
- Minimise – if risk remains, use fall arrest/restraint systems and PPE.
Common Hazards and Controls
- Fragile Roofs: Use crawling boards, edge protection, and signage.
- Ladders: Only use for short tasks, secure them, maintain 3 points of contact.
- Falling Objects: Toe boards, debris nets, exclusion zones.
- Weather Conditions: Stop work in high winds, rain, or icy surfaces.
- Training Gaps: Ensure operatives are competent, not just “shown once.”
Inspections and Record Keeping
- Daily pre-use checks by operatives.
- Formal inspections at intervals (e.g., every 7 days for scaffolds).
- Keep records of inspections, training, and rescue plans—HSE may request evidence.
Best Practice Tips
- Integrate working-at-height considerations into design and planning early (CDM 2015 duty).
- Use tool lanyards to prevent falling tools from injuring people below.
- Train workers in dynamic risk assessment—reassess conditions if things change.
- Encourage a “Stop Work” culture if equipment is unsafe or conditions deteriorate.
Conclusion
Working at height is one of the most high-risk activities in any industry, but the risks are manageable with planning, the right equipment, and a strong safety culture.
Remember the key principles: avoid, prevent, minimise. By following the law and applying best practice, you protect not only your workforce but your business.