Managing work at height safely

Falls from height usually occur as a result of poor decisions rather than because of equipment failure. Common factors include:

• failure to recognise a problem;
• failure to provide safe systems of work;
• failure to ensure that safe systems of work are followed;
• inadequate information, instruction, training or supervision provided;
• failure to use appropriate equipment; and
• failure to provide safe plant/equipment.

Key messages from the HSE are:

• those following good practice for work at height now should already be doing enough to comply with the regulations;
• follow the risk assessments you have carried out for work at height activities and make sure all work at height is planned, organised and carried out by competent persons;
• follow the hierarchy for managing risks from work at height – take steps to avoid, prevent or reduce risks; and
• choose the right work equipment and select collective measures to prevent falls (such as guardrails and working platforms) before other measures which may only mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall (such as nets or airbags) or which may only provide personal protection from a fall.

Hierarchy of control

The regulations set out a simple hierarchy for managing and selecting equipment for work at height. Duty-holders must:

• avoid work at height where they can;
• use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at height; and
• where they cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.

In practical terms, duty-holders must specifically ensure that:

1. all work at height is properly planned and organised;
2. all work at height takes account of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety;
3. those involved in work at height are trained and competent;
4. the place where work at height is done is safe;
5. equipment for work at height is appropriately inspected;
6. the risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled; and
7. the risks from falling objects are properly controlled.

HSE booklet INDG401gives further details and guidance on these seven areas of responsibility for duty-holders, the main points of which are reproduced below.