Working At Height Safety Procedures

Working at height is one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities across multiple industries, from construction and maintenance to warehousing and utilities. According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height remain the number one cause of workplace deaths, accounting for around a quarter of all fatal accidents each year. Globally, similar statistics show the same trend. This makes the development, implementation, and monitoring of working at height procedures a vital part of occupational health and safety management.

Whether you are an employer, safety manager, or worker, this article will give you a detailed framework for keeping people safe while working above ground level.

What Does “Working at Height” Mean?

The phrase “working at height” is often misunderstood. It doesn’t only refer to work carried out on tall structures like scaffolding or rooftops. Under HSE and OSHA regulations, working at height means:

• Any work where a person could fall from a height that could cause injury.

• Work above ground or floor level (e.g., ladders, scaffolds, mobile towers).

• Work near openings or fragile surfaces (roof lights, skylights).

• Work in elevated areas such as platforms, MEWPs (mobile elevating work platforms), or cherry pickers.

It does not include slips or trips on the same level, or walking up and down permanent stairs.

Understanding this broad definition is the first step in applying the correct working at height procedures to protect staff and contractors.

Why Working at Height is High Risk

Falls from height are a “high consequence” hazard because they often result in life-changing injuries or fatalities. The main risks include:

1. Falls from ladders – Using incorrect ladders, overreaching, or unstable placement.

2. Falls from scaffolding – Caused by poor assembly, lack of guardrails, or failure to inspect.

3. Falls through fragile surfaces – Such as roof sheets or skylights.

4. Falls from vehicles or platforms – Especially during loading/unloading.

5. Dropped objects – Tools or materials falling from height, injuring people below.

6. Weather-related hazards – Wind, rain, or ice make surfaces slippery or unstable.

These risks can be drastically reduced if robust working at height safety procedures are in place and strictly followed.

Legal Requirements for Working at Height

Both the UK and international occupational health and safety regulators place strict obligations on employers.

• UK (HSE): The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to avoid work at height where possible, assess the risks, and ensure appropriate safety measures are used.

• USA (OSHA): The OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M standard sets requirements for fall protection in construction and other industries.

• EU Directives: Similar regulations apply across European member states under EU Directive 2001/45/EC.

In practice, employers must:

• Carry out risk assessments for all working at height tasks.

• Provide safe equipment (scaffolds, guardrails, harnesses).

• Ensure workers are trained and competent.

• Regularly inspect equipment and workplaces.

• Put emergency rescue procedures in place.

Non-compliance can lead not only to fines and legal consequences but also to preventable injuries or fatalities.

Essential Working at Height Procedures

Every organization should have clear, written working at height procedures that outline step-by-step safety requirements. Below are the core procedures that align with HSE, OSHA, and international standards.

1. Planning the Work

• Avoid working at height where possible – use extendable tools or relocate work to ground level.

• Risk assessment – identify hazards, potential fall distances, and people at risk.

• Choose the safest method – scaffolds, platforms, or MEWPs are generally safer than ladders.

2. Selecting Equipment

• Choose equipment suited for the task, load capacity, and environment.

• Ensure guardrails, toe boards, and barriers are in place.

• Where collective protection isn’t possible, use personal fall protection such as harnesses and lanyards.

3. Safe Access and Egress

• Ensure ladders and platforms are stable, secure, and on firm ground.

• Maintain three points of contact when using ladders.

• Avoid climbing with tools in hand—use tool belts or hoists.

4. Use of Fall Protection

• Collective protection first – scaffolds, nets, guardrails.

• Personal fall protection: second – harnesses, lanyards, anchor points.

• Always check that harnesses are properly fitted and attached.

5. Weather and Environmental Checks

• Stop work during high winds, storms, or icy conditions.

• Provide adequate lighting for night or low-light work.

• Keep platforms clear of obstructions and debris.

6. Supervision and Competency

• Only trained and competent workers should carry out work at height.

• Supervisors must ensure procedures are followed consistently.

• Toolbox talks should be conducted before starting high-risk work.

7. Emergency Rescue Procedures

• Plan for the worst-case scenario: what happens if someone falls or becomes suspended in a harness?

• Ensure rescue equipment is available.

• Workers must be trained in emergency response and first aid.

These working at height procedures provide a structured way to reduce risks and demonstrate compliance with regulations.

Risk Assessment for Working at Height

A detailed risk assessment is the backbone of safe working at height. Key considerations include:

• What work is being done? – maintenance, construction, inspection, and cleaning.

• Where will it take place? – roofs, scaffolds, platforms, vehicles.

• What equipment is needed? – ladders, MEWPs, harnesses.

• Who might be affected? – workers, contractors, members of the public.

• What hazards exist? – fragile surfaces, falling objects, and electrical risks.

The assessment must be documented and communicated to all involved.

Training and Competency

No working at height procedure is effective unless the people carrying it out are competent. Training should cover:

• Correct use of ladders, scaffolds, and access equipment.

• Inspection of PPE, such as harnesses.

• Emergency rescue and first aid.

• Awareness of environmental hazards like weather and fragile surfaces.

Competency is a mix of training, knowledge, and experience. Employers should keep records of training and refresher sessions.

Inspection and Maintenance of Equipment

Faulty equipment is a leading cause of falls. Employers must implement strict inspection and maintenance regimes:

• Daily pre-use checks – workers should inspect ladders, harnesses, and scaffolds before use.

• Formal inspections – carried out weekly by a competent person.

• Thorough examinations – periodic checks by certified inspectors, especially for MEWPs and scaffolding.

• Record keeping – document all inspections for legal compliance.

Step-by-Step Working at Height Safety Checklist

Here is a practical checklist that can be built into your daily operations:

1. Has a risk assessment been completed?

2. Can the work be done without working at height?

3. Is the correct equipment selected for the task?

4. Is the equipment inspected and safe to use?

5. Are workers trained and competent?

6. Are collective protective measures (guardrails, scaffolds) in place?

7. Are fall arrest systems (harnesses, lanyards) available and used correctly?

8. Are the weather and environmental conditions safe?

9. Is there supervision in place?

10. Are emergency rescue procedures ready and tested?

Using this structured checklist ensures compliance and keeps workers safe.

Best Practices for Employers

Beyond legal compliance, organizations should foster a safety-first culture:

• Encourage reporting of near-misses and unsafe conditions.

• Provide refresher training regularly.

• Invest in higher-quality equipment rather than the cheapest options.

• Engage workers in safety discussions and decision-making.

• Regularly review and update working at height procedures.

Conclusion

Falls from height remain one of the most serious workplace hazards, but with the right systems in place, they are preventable. By planning, using the safest methods, providing training, and enforcing working at height procedures, employers can significantly reduce risks and protect their workforce.

As an Occupational Health and Safety Consultant, I emphasize that working at height should never be treated casually. Every task—whether fixing a light bulb on a ladder, repairing a roof, or working on scaffolding—requires careful risk assessment and adherence to procedures. Safety must always come first.

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