The working at height hierarchy of control is essential for preventing falls which accounted for 35% of all workplace fatalities in 2024/25. From construction and maintenance to routine inspections, working at height continues to be one of the greatest risks to employee safety.
In this guide, we explore how each stage of the hierarchy works in practice and how it can help create safer, more efficient working environments and support compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
What is the hierarchy of control for working at height?
The work at height hierarchy of control is a legally defined framework that employers and duty holders must follow to manage and reduce the risks associated with working at height. This framework provides a structured approach to deciding which control measures are most effective and proportionate, so work can be carried out safely and efficiently. It follows three key principles:
- Avoid work at height where possible.
- Prevent falls where work at height cannot be avoided.
- Minimise the distance and consequences of a fall if it occurs.
Under Regulation 6 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers must:
“Avoid work at height where it is reasonably practicable to do so; and where it is not, prevent falls; and where the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated, minimise the distance and consequences of a fall.”
Following the hierarchy of control for work at height also supports wider legal duties under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to assess risks and implement suitable measures.
Working at height hierarchy of control framework
The working at height hierarchy of control sets out a simple, three-step approach to managing and reducing risks. Each stage should be considered in order.
1. Avoid work at height wherever possible
The most effective way to control the risk of falls is to eliminate the need to work at height altogether. Before any task begins, ask whether the work can be redesigned, relocated, or completed safely from the ground.
Practical ways to avoid work at height include:
- Using extendable or telescopic tools for inspection, cleaning, painting, or maintenance tasks.
- Installing equipment or fittings at accessible heights so they can be maintained without ladders or platforms.
- Prefabricating components or assemblies at ground level before installation to minimise time spent working at height.
- Using remote technologies such as drones or cameras for roof inspections or surveys.
- Designing out the need for access during the planning or construction phase, for example, specifying self-cleaning glazing or ground-accessible plant equipment.
Avoiding work at height should always be the first consideration as it removes the hazard entirely.
2. Prevent falls when working at height cannot be avoided
If working at height cannot be avoided, the next step is to stop someone from falling. Use collective protection and safe systems of work to physically prevent a fall to protect people in the surrounding area as well as the person carrying out the task.
Practical ways to prevent falls include:
- Installing fixed or mobile scaffolding with secure guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards to provide a stable working platform.
- Using mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), such as cherry pickers or scissor lifts, for short-duration or variable-height tasks where scaffolding is impractical.
- Fitting roof edge protection systems like guardrails or parapets to create a continuous barrier around open edges.
- Implementing work restraint systems, which use harnesses and fixed-length lanyards to physically prevent workers from reaching a fall hazard.
- Creating safe access routes using properly designed stair towers, podium steps, or fixed ladders with cages or hoops.
- Securing tools and materials to prevent objects falling from height, which can cause injury to people below.
- Planning safe zones and keeping non-essential personnel away from high-risk areas while work is being carried out.
Before any work begins, ensure that all access equipment is inspected, suitable for the environment, and used by trained, competent personnel. Guardrails and restraint systems must be installed by a qualified person and checked regularly to maintain integrity.
For detailed advice on choosing the most suitable access equipment and collective protection systems, refer to HSE’s guidance on Selecting Equipment for Work at Height (GEIS6).
3. Minimise the consequences of a fall
If a risk of falling still exists after other controls have been applied, the final stage of the working at height hierarchy of control is to minimise the potential for injury.
In practice, fall prevention and fall mitigation are often planned together. Even when collective protection such as guardrails or barriers is in place, workers may still use personal fall arrest systems as an additional safeguard creating multiple layers of protection if one control fails.
Practical ways to minimise the consequences of a fall include:
- Installing safety nets or soft-landing systems beneath work areas to absorb energy and reduce impact forces.
- Using fall arrest systems, such as full-body harnesses attached to secure anchor points or lifelines, to stop a person safely before they hit the ground.
- Setting up temporary airbags, crash decks, or fall mats for short-duration or low-level work.
- Ensuring anchor points are properly rated, positioned, and tested to support the load of a fall arrest event.
- Establishing clear rescue procedures so a fallen worker can be recovered quickly and safely.
- Training employees to fit, inspect, and use personal fall protection equipment correctly.
Regular inspection and maintenance is important to ensure these systems will work effectively in an emergency. Further guidance on fall arrest and restraint systems is available in HSE’s guide on Personal Fall Protection Systems (GEIS5).
How to apply the hierarchy of control measures for work at height
Implementing the hierarchy of control measures for working at heights requires careful planning, coordination, and a thorough risk assessment before any task begins.
When planning and assessing work at height, consider the following factors:
Type and duration of work
For short-duration tasks mobile access equipment such as podium steps or MEWPs may be suitable, while longer-term projects might require fixed scaffolding or roof edge protection.
The nature of the work, whether it involves inspection, maintenance, or construction, will determine the safest approach.
Height and environment
The greater the height, the higher the potential severity of injury. Environmental factors such as uneven ground, confined spaces, or working near fragile surfaces (for instance, skylights or roof lights) also influence the control measures required.
Training and competence of those involved
Only competent individuals should plan, supervise, or carry out work at height. This includes understanding how to use equipment safely, recognise hazards, and respond effectively in emergencies.
Equipment inspection and maintenance
All access equipment, PPE, and fall protection systems must be checked before use and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidance and regulatory standards. Faulty or damaged items should be removed from service immediately and replaced.
Weather and surface conditions
Wind, rain, snow, or ice can quickly make surfaces slippery and increase the risk of falls. Work at height should be postponed or adapted when adverse weather compromises safety, and additional measures such as de-icing, gritting, or non-slip coverings may be needed.
Working at Height Training
Our Working at Height Training helps employees understand the risks of working at height and how to apply the working at height hierarchy of controls to prevent accidents. The course promotes a strong safety culture by covering legal responsibilities, common hazards, control measures, and the safe inspection and use of work equipment.
Developed by qualified health and safety professionals, this engaging training supports compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and helps build a safer, more competent workforce.
Working at Height Training can be tailored to your organisation and delivered online, virtually, or face-to-face at a venue of your choice.
Find out more on our website or contact our friendly team today on 0203 011 4242 / info@praxis42.com
Adam Clarke
Managing Director (Consulting)
