Working at height isn’t rare. Builders, cleaners, engineers — they all do it. But getting it wrong leads to serious accidents. That’s why a proper risk assessment matters. It’s not just paperwork. It saves lives.
Legal Duties Under UK Law
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 set the rules. Anyone who manages or carries out height-related work must follow them. That includes employers, site managers and the workers themselves.
They must plan the work properly. They must assess the risks. They must choose the right equipment. If they don’t, it’s a breach of the law.
Not all jobs need the same approach. Fixing a streetlight isn’t like checking stock in a warehouse. But both still count as working at height. If there’s a chance someone could fall and get hurt, the law applies.
Who Is Responsible
The employer takes the lead. They must make sure the work is safe. They must check the team is trained and fit for the task.
But workers have a role too. They must follow instructions. They must use safety gear properly. If something seems unsafe, they must speak up.
Anyone conducting risk assessments must be competent to do so (as decided by the employer) and must have proper training in risk assessment. Ultimately, it is a duty of the employer to ensure that risk assessments and follow-up actions meet regulatory requirements.
When a Risk Assessment Is Needed
If there’s any risk of falling, a check must be done. That includes working on ladders, roofs or raised platforms. Even working over water or near open edges.
It’s not just about height. It’s about the risk of injury. If a fall could happen, assess it.
Key Elements of a Work at Height Risk Assessment
Risk assessments aren’t long reports. They’re clear and focused. Here’s what they cover.
1. Task Description
What exactly is the job? Cleaning windows? Repairing a roof? Loading stock from a high shelf? Be specific.
2. Identify Hazards
Look for what might cause a fall. Loose boards. Fragile surfaces. Poor lighting. Wind or rain. Tools that could fall.
3. Identify Who Might Be Harmed
It’s not just the worker. It could be a colleague below. Or a member of the public nearby.
4. Evaluate the Risks
How likely is a fall? How bad could the injuries be? If the work involves tall ladders on wet ground, that’s high risk.
5. Decide on Precautions
This is the fix. Use guard rails. Install edge protection. Switch to safer gear. Or stop the job until conditions improve.
6. Record and Review
Write it down. Keep it short. Review it if something changes. New gear? New site? Redo the check.
Examples of Work at Height Activities
- Cleaning windows from scaffolding
- Installing CCTV on a high wall
- Fixing ceiling lights
- Inspecting a warehouse shelf
- Cutting branches from a ladder
These all need checks. Skip the assessment and the risk jumps.
Risk Control Measures (Hierarchy of Control)
Not all controls are equal. Some stop the risk. Some just reduce it. Here’s how to think about it.
Avoid Work at Height Where Possible
The best option? Don’t work at height. Can the job be done from the ground? Use tools with longer reach. Install equipment at a lower level. Change the design.
Use Equipment to Prevent Falls
If it has to be done up high, use gear that stops falls. Scaffolding with guardrails. Mobile platforms with barriers. Secure ladders with slip protection.
Make sure the gear suits the job. And make sure it’s in good shape.
Minimise Distance and Consequences of Falls
If a fall could still happen, reduce the harm. Fit safety nets. Use air-filled mats. Wear a harness with a shock absorber.
It won’t stop the fall, but it might stop a broken neck.
Common Mistakes in Work at Height Risk Assessment
Even with rules in place, people cut corners. These are mistakes that keep showing up.
Skipping Site-Specific Checks
Copying an old risk assessment isn’t good enough. Each job is different. Ground conditions change. So does the weather. Check every time.
Ignoring Fragile Surfaces
Rooflights look solid. So do old panels. But one step and you’re through. Mark them. Avoid them. Or use crawler boards.
No Rescue Plan
Someone falls. They’re hanging from a harness. What now? Without a plan, things get worse fast.
Have rescue gear ready. Train people to use it. Don’t wait for the fire brigade.
Relying on Workers Alone
Telling someone “Be careful” isn’t a plan. Safety needs controls, not just common sense.
The Role of Safety Training
Training fills the gaps. It shows what risks to look for. It teaches how to use gear.
A working from heights course helps people spot trouble before it happens. It shows how to work with ladders and elevated platforms safely, what measures should be in place before the work starts, and what principles must be followed.
New workers need it. So do old hands who’ve picked up bad habits. It’s not a one-off. It’s part of the job.
Training also proves the employer did their bit. If something goes wrong, that record helps in court.
Don’t Let Gravity Win
Working at height isn’t a gamble. Not if it’s done right. The fall might only be two metres. But it only takes one bad landing.
A proper risk assessment looks boring. But it stops blood on the floor.
Avoid the height if you can. Use the right gear if you can’t. And always have a plan if it goes wrong.
Work smart. Stay on your feet.
