What Is Working at Height? And How to Stay Safe

Working at height refers to work carried out above ground/floor level where you could fall from an edge, through an opening or fragile surface, or from ground level into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground. This includes working on ladders, scaffolds, rooftops, towers, and other elevated structures.

Working at height is hazardous due to the risk of falls, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Indeed, falls from height are one of the leading causes of workplace death, with 26% of workplace deaths last year caused by falling from a height. The hazards associated with working at height can be caused by several factors, such as unstable working surfaces, insufficient training and inadequate or defective equipment.

In this article, we cover more about what working at height is, the legislation to protect worker, and how you stay safe when working at height.

Working at Height Legislation

The Work at Height Regulation (2005) was brought in to prevent death and injuries caused by a fall from height. As the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) explains, this regulation ensures that employers, managers and the self-employed must  “must make sure work [at height] is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people. This includes using the right type of equipment for working at height.” 

The Work at Height Regulation (2005) also requires that, before working at height, you —

• avoid work at height where it is reasonably practicable to do so; 
• where work at height cannot be avoided, prevent falls using either an existing place of work that is already safe or the right type of equipment;
•  minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, by using the right type of equipment where the risk cannot be eliminated.

Do You Need Training to Work at Height?

Yes — anyone who works at height is required to undertake training to prove that they are competent in their work. As we touched on above, your workplace should make sure that work at height is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people.

How Often Should Working at Height Training Be Refreshed?

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) states that refresher training must be carried out every six months and should include an assessment of competence by carrying out a simulated rescue.

Systems or components, should also be examined at least every 12 months, or when specified by the manufacturer, by a competent person.

How to Work at Height Safely

As we’ve touched on above, where possible, don’t work from height at all. To keep safe when you do have to work at height, you should: 

1. Use collective equipment, such as railing, scaffolding, nets and air bags.
2. Use personal protective equipment, such as work restraint and fall arrest systems.
3. Carry out regular training on safe working practices, as well as how to use relevant equipment. 
4. Put up health and safety signs to remind workers of hazards and how to behave in certain areas. 

What PPE To Use for Working at Height

The right personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to protect employees working at height. This includes,

1. Restraint Systems

Work restraint systems are designed to prevent workers from falling from heights by restricting their movement, and preventing them from reaching the edge of the surface. 

2. Fall Arrest Systems

Fall arrest systems include a harness that is worn by the worker and attached to a secure anchor point which, in the event of a fall, will arrest the fall and prevent the worker from hitting the ground. 

3. Suitable Clothing 

Employees should avoid wearing loose clothing when working at height, in order to avoid their clothes snagging. Employees should also wear non-slip footwear, protective gloves and a high-visibility vest.

4. Head & Eye Protection

Employees should wear hard hats to protect their heads from falling objects, and to add a layer of protection in the event of a fall. Eye protection is also essential to prevent debris and dust from getting in the eye. 

Helmets may need to include a chin strap, and eye protection should be compatible with the helmet. 

5. Collective Prevention 

Although personal protective equipment is important, collective protection measures are also essential. You should use scaffolds, mobile elevating work platforms, such as scissor lifts, and safety nets and soft landing systems, such as nets and air bags.

Putting up signs is a useful way to remind your employees of what hazards are around, and to follow the right protocol to prevent accidents and injuries.

Working at height is hazardous, and poses a larger risk to workers than other activities. To ensure you protect your employees from harm, you should stay compliant with this legislation, use personal protective and collective equipment, and conduct regular risk assessments and training sessions. By following these guidelines, both workers and employers can reduce the risk of falls and injuries when working at height.