Working at Height Safety FAQs

The HSE classifies working at height as when you:

• Work above ground/floor level
• Could fall from an edge, through an opening or fragile surface or
• Could fall from ground level into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground

Ladders can be used for working at height tasks when a risk assessment of the task shows that using equipment with higher level of fall protection is not justified e.g. task is low risk, duration of task is short or there are existing workplace features which cannot be altered. The assessment must be undertaken by someone that is competent and a safe system of work is in place.

A working platform includes:

• A roof
• A floor
• Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)
• Treads of a stepladder
• A platform on a scaffold

Collective protection is equipment that does not require the person working at height to act for it to be effective and protects all those that might be working there. This includes designed walkways, guardrails, scissor lifts and tower scaffolds.

Personal protection on the other hand requires the individual to act for it to be effective. An example would be correctly wearing a safety harness correctly and connecting it, with an energy-absorbing lanyard, to a suitable anchor point.

There is no clear answer as every fall is different and best not fall at all. The depth and severity of injuries depend on factors such as the distance, the person’s age and weight, the way you land and what you might land on e.g. debris or sharp objects.

Working at height requires the right skills, knowledge and experience to perform the task. Undertaking training gives the trainee the necessary tools to understand the risks associated with working at height. Ultimately it is an employers responsibility to define what the competence levels are based on knowledge, training, experience and knowing when they have reached their level of competence and stop to gain further help.

Working at height is defined as any work where a person could fall a distance liable to cause injury. This includes working above ground or floor level, in places where there is a risk of falling into an opening or hole, or on fragile surfaces.

This definition is stated in the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

The main legislation covering working at height in the UK is the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Yes, working at heights training can often be completed online. At Praxis42 we offer Working at Height Training which covers the theoretical aspects of working at height, such as identifying risks, understanding legislation, and learning about safety measures and equipment.

Some roles may require hands-on training in addition to the online component to ensure competency in using equipment or performing specific tasks.

Tasks such as installing or maintaining overhead wiring, working on lighting systems, or accessing electrical installations on ceilings or rooftops may require working at height.

Electricians must follow safety guidelines and use appropriate equipment, such as ladders, scaffolding, or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), to minimise the risk of falls and ensure compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Jobs such as installing or maintaining pipes, gutters, or roofing systems often require working on ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms.

Plumbers must adhere to safety regulations, use appropriate fall protection equipment, and follow the Work at Height Regulations 2005 to minimise risks.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 mandate that anyone who works at height must be competent, which includes receiving adequate training.

Training ensures individuals understand the risks, can use equipment correctly, and know how to implement safe working practices. Depending on the role, this may include online Working at Height Training, practical sessions, or a combination of both.

Praxis42 Working at Height Training takes about 25-30 minutes to complete.

Working at height equipment should be inspected before each use, periodically (usually every 6 months) by a competent person, and after exceptional circumstances like damage or a fall. Regular inspections ensure safety and compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Working at height training should be refreshed every two to three years or as required by your organisation’s policies.

Refresher training may also be necessary after changes in regulations, equipment, or procedures, or following incidents that highlight a need for improved understanding.

Regular updates ensure employees remain competent, compliant with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and have the knowledge and skills to work safely.

A permanent staircase is not considered working at height under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, as it is designed for safe access and does not normally present a risk of falling from a height.

However, activities performed on or around a staircase, such as maintenance or installation work that involves elevated positions, are classed as working at height if there is a risk of falling. In such cases, appropriate precautions must be taken to ensure safety.

Yes, working at height training is a legal requirement under the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

The regulations state that anyone involved in work at height must be competent, which includes receiving adequate training. This ensures workers understand the risks, know how to use equipment safely, and can implement appropriate safety measures.

Training helps minimise risks, prevent accidents, and ensure compliance with the law.

The main risks of working at height include falls from ladders or platforms, falling objects, structural failures, slippery surfaces due to weather, and inadequate safety measures.

Thorough risk assessments, training, and equipment are essential to minimise these hazards and comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Toe boards are used when working at height to prevent tools, materials, or other objects from falling off elevated work surfaces such as scaffolding, platforms, or guardrails. They are an essential safety feature to protect workers below from injuries caused by falling objects and help ensure compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

The hierarchy of control for working at height, as detailed in the Work at Height Regulations 2005, covers the following steps:

1. Avoid work at height. If possible, design tasks to be performed from the ground to eliminate the need for working at height.
2. Prevent falls. Use collective safety measures like guardrails, scaffolding, or barriers to prevent falls where work at height is unavoidable.
3. Mitigate consequences. If falls cannot be entirely prevented, use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as harnesses and fall arrest systems to minimise injury.
4. Ensure safe access. Provide secure and stable means of access, such as ladders or elevated platforms, and ensure equipment is properly inspected.
5. Train and supervise. Ensure workers are adequately trained, competent, and supervised to perform tasks safely.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 do not specify exact wind speed limits for working at height. However, industry guidelines and best practices provide recommendations to ensure safety:

• For ladders and scaffolding, work is usually deemed unsafe at wind speeds exceeding 17 mph (27 km/h) or in gusty conditions.
• For mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) and cranes, the manufacturer’s guidelines should be followed, but work is often stopped at wind speeds above 28 mph (45 km/h).
• For construction hoists or materials handling, specific limits will also be set by equipment manufacturers.

Always consult the equipment’s operating manual and carry out a risk assessment considering site-specific conditions.

All work at height requires a rescue plan under the Work at Height Regulations 2005. This is crucial for tasks using harnesses, working in confined spaces, or on scaffolding and MEWPs.

Plans must include procedures, equipment, and trained personnel to ensure prompt and effective rescues.

A working at heights permit is usually required when tasks involve significant risks, such as working on scaffolding, elevated platforms, roofs, or near fragile surfaces.

The permit ensures that a risk assessment has been conducted and that safety measures, such as fall protection equipment and rescue plans, are in place.

While not mandated by the Work at Height Regulations 2005, many organisations use permits as part of their internal safety management systems to ensure compliance and minimise hazards.

Praxis42 online Working at Height Training costs £25 for an individual purchase.

Training is a cost-effective way to ensure employees have essential knowledge to identify risks, comply with regulations, and adopt safe practices when working at height.

Suitable control measures for working at heights focus on eliminating or minimising risks and ensuring compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Measures include:

• Avoid working at height. Where possible, design tasks to be performed from the ground, such as using long-handled tools.
• Conduct risk assessments. Assess the task, environment, and equipment to identify potential hazards and mitigate them.
• Training and competency. Ensure workers are trained and competent to work safely at height and use equipment correctly.
• Use collective safety measures. Install guardrails, toe boards, or scaffolding to prevent falls.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE). Use harnesses, lanyards, and fall arrest systems when collective measures are not feasible.
• Ensure stable access. Provide safe equipment like ladders, mobile platforms, or cherry pickers that are stable and appropriate for the task.
• Regular inspections. Inspect all equipment and access points before use and at regular intervals to ensure they are safe and in good condition.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all work at height where there is a risk of falling that could cause injury.

• Above round or floor level: such as working on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms.
• Below ground level: if there is a risk of falling, such as into excavations or pits.
• On fragile surfaces: such as roofs or other materials that may break under load.
• Involving equipment: such as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), ropes, or harnesses.

The regulations cover employers, the self-employed, and any person in control of work at height, requiring them to plan, assess risks, and implement measures to prevent falls. The goal is to ensure safety and minimise hazards for all tasks performed at height.

The following might be harmed by working at height:

• Workers. Those directly involved in tasks at height are at risk of falls or accidents caused by improper use of equipment or lack of safety measures.
• Co-workers below. People working or passing underneath are vulnerable to injuries from falling tools, materials, or debris.
• Public. In areas accessible to the public, such as near construction sites or maintenance work, bystanders may be at risk from falling objects or other hazards.
• Rescue personnel. Emergency responders may face risks during rescue operations, particularly if the environment is unstable or poorly planned.

To minimise these risks, thorough planning, risk assessments, and the implementation of control measures are essential.

A fragile surface is any surface that cannot safely support the weight of a person and is liable to break if someone walks or falls onto it.

Common examples include:

• Roof lights or skylights
• Asbestos cement sheets
• Corroded metal roofing
• Fibre cement or plastic roof panels

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers must identify fragile surfaces and take suitable measures to prevent falls.

Fragile surfaces should be managed by:

• Avoiding work on or near them where possible
• Providing safe access routes and secure working platforms
• Installing covers or guardrails
• Clearly marking and warning of fragile areas
• Providing suitable fall protection where necessary

A risk assessment should specifically address fragile materials, as falling through them remains a common cause of serious injury and fatalities in working at height incidents.

A GA1 form is a standard inspection report used in Ireland to record the statutory inspection of certain work equipment, particularly lifting equipment and accessories.

In the UK, while the term “GA1” is not used in legislation, similar inspection records are required under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

For example:

• Scaffolding must be inspected before first use, after substantial alteration, and at least every 7 days.
• Lifting equipment must receive a thorough examination at specified intervals, with a written report provided by a competent person.

An inspection report normally includes:

• Details of the equipment inspected
• Date and time of inspection
• Name and competence of the inspector
• Defects identified
• Actions required and timescales

The purpose of the form is to provide formal evidence that equipment has been inspected and is safe to use.

Weather conditions can significantly increase the risks associated with working at height and must be considered as part of the risk assessment under the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Weather-related risks include:

• High winds – Can destabilise ladders, scaffolding and MEWPs, and increase the risk of losing balance.
• Rain – Makes surfaces slippery and reduces grip.
• Ice and snow – Create highly hazardous walking conditions on roofs and platforms.
• Extreme heat – May cause fatigue, dehydration and reduced concentration.
• Poor visibility (fog, heavy rain, low light) – Increases the likelihood of errors or misjudgement.

Work at height should not proceed if weather conditions make it unsafe. Employers must monitor conditions, stop work where necessary, and implement additional control measures such as securing materials, adjusting schedules, or providing suitable protective equipment.

An exclusion zone is a clearly defined area set up to prevent unauthorised people from entering a hazardous space, particularly beneath work at height activities.

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers must take suitable measures to prevent injury from falling objects, not just protect those working at height.

An exclusion zone is necessary to:

• Protect workers and the public from falling tools or materials
• Reduce the risk of being struck by debris
• Prevent interference with equipment such as scaffolding or MEWPs

Exclusion zones may be created using barriers, cones, tape, hoarding or signage, and should be clearly visible and proportionate to the level of risk. They are an important collective control measure to safeguard those below.

Suspension trauma (also known as harness suspension intolerance) can occur when a person is left hanging motionless in a safety harness after a fall.

When suspended upright for a prolonged period, blood can pool in the legs due to restricted movement. This can reduce blood return to the heart and brain, potentially leading to dizziness, loss of consciousness and, in severe cases, life-threatening complications.

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers must have suitable rescue procedures in place where fall arrest systems are used.