working at heights

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all work where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. A significant number of serious injuries result from falls by people working at heights of much less than 2m.

The overriding principle in the working at height regulations are that employers must do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent anyone falling. To achieve this, the regulations apply the classic hierarchy of control to working at height by placing specific duties on both you and your employees.

Within the context of health and safety, working at height policy should take notice of and follow risk assessments for work at height activities; make sure all work at height is planned, organised and carried out by competent persons; take steps to avoid, prevent or reduce risks; identify the right work equipment, and select measures to prevent falls.