Working at Height Risk Assessment

Working at height remains the biggest cause of workplace fatalities in the UK. Falls from height account for around 40% of all worker deaths each year. A proper risk assessment is essential for legal compliance and worker safety.

What Counts as Working at Height?

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 define working at height as:

Work in any place, including a place at or below ground level, where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.

This includes:

• Working on roofs, platforms, or scaffolding
• Working on ladders or stepladders
• Working near excavations or holes
• Working at ground level near an opening
• Climbing on furniture or equipment

Legal Requirements

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to:

1. Avoid working at height where possible
2. Prevent falls using appropriate equipment
3. Minimise the distance and consequences of a fall if prevention isn't possible

Every task at height must be risk assessed before work begins.

The Hierarchy of Controls

When assessing work at height, follow this hierarchy:

1. Avoid Working at Height

Can the work be done from the ground?

• Use extendable tools for painting, cleaning
• Use cameras for inspections
• Use drones for surveys
• Prefabricate components at ground level

2. Prevent Falls

If work at height is necessary, prevent falls:

• Use permanent guardrails
• Install temporary edge protection
• Use scaffolding or mobile towers
• Use mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs)

3. Minimise Fall Consequences

If falls cannot be prevented, minimise consequences:

• Use safety nets
• Use airbags or soft landing systems
• Use personal fall arrest systems (harnesses)

Common Work at Height Hazards

Ladders

Ladders should only be used for:

• Short duration work (under 30 minutes)
• Light work (materials that can be carried)
• Where a stable platform isn't practical

Control measures:

• Secure ladder at top and bottom
• Maintain 3 points of contact
• Set at correct angle (1 unit out for every 4 up)
• Extend 1 metre above landing point
• Never overreach

Scaffolding

Control measures:

• Erect by competent person
• Inspect before first use and every 7 days
• Inspect after adverse weather
• Provide safe access (stairs preferred to ladders)
• Install guardrails, toe boards, and brick guards

Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs)

Control measures:

• Trained operators only
• Ground conditions assessment
• Outriggers deployed
• Fall arrest harness worn in boom lifts
• Never exceed safe working load
• Check for overhead obstructions

Roof Work

Control measures:

• Assume all roofs are fragile until proven otherwise
• Use crawling boards on fragile materials
• Install edge protection
• Use fall arrest systems
• Cover or barrier roof lights
• Check weather conditions

Risk Assessment Checklist

When assessing work at height, consider:

Before the Work

• [ ] Can the work be avoided?
• [ ] Who will be doing the work?
• [ ] What training do they have?
• [ ] What equipment is needed?
• [ ] What are the ground conditions?
• [ ] What is the weather forecast?
• [ ] Is there adequate lighting?
• [ ] Are there overhead obstructions?

During the Work

• [ ] Is equipment inspected and in good condition?
• [ ] Are workers using equipment correctly?
• [ ] Is there adequate supervision?
• [ ] Are emergency procedures in place?
• [ ] Is there a rescue plan?

After the Work

• [ ] Is equipment stored correctly?
• [ ] Are any defects reported?
• [ ] Is the site left safe?

Rescue Planning

Every work at height assessment must include a rescue plan. If someone falls and is suspended in a harness, they need rescue within 15-20 minutes to avoid suspension trauma.

Rescue options:

• Self-rescue using a rescue kit
• Co-worker rescue using equipment
• Emergency services (but ensure they can access the location)

Common Mistakes

1. Using ladders as work platforms - They're for access, not prolonged work
2. Ignoring fragile surfaces - Roof lights can be invisible from above
3. No rescue plan - Workers left suspended after a fall
4. Poor supervision - Workers taking shortcuts
5. Inadequate training - Workers don't understand the risks

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Summary

Working at height risk assessments are legally required and essential for worker safety. Key points:

• Follow the hierarchy: avoid, prevent, minimise
• Assess every task before work begins
• Choose the right equipment for the job
• Ensure workers are trained and competent
• Have a rescue plan in place
• Review assessments regularly

Further Resources

• HSE Work at Height Guidance
• Scaffolding Risk Assessment
• Roofing Risk Assessment
• Construction Risk Assessment

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