Working at height remains one of the most hazardous activities across multiple industries, including construction, warehousing, maintenance, and telecommunications. Falls from height consistently rank as one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and serious injuries worldwide. According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height accounted for 30% of fatal injuries to workers in 2022/2023.
A Working at Height Risk Assessment is, therefore, not just a regulatory requirement but a critical process for ensuring worker safety. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explain what a working at height risk assessment involves, why it’s important, how to conduct one effectively, and how to reduce risk through practical safety controls.
What Is a Working at Height Risk Assessment?
A Working at Height Risk Assessment is a structured evaluation of the potential hazards associated with performing tasks at an elevated position where a person could fall and sustain injury. The goal is to identify risks, evaluate their severity, and implement controls to reduce the likelihood and consequences of falls.
Key Elements Include:
-
Hazard Identification: Recognizing all height-related risks in the work area.
-
Risk Evaluation: Assessing how likely these risks are and the potential impact.
-
Control Measures: Putting safety precautions in place.
-
Review & Monitor: Regularly checking the effectiveness of implemented controls.
Working at height can include:
-
Working on ladders or scaffolds
-
Roof work
-
Accessing racking systems
-
Working near open edges or fragile surfaces
Even working below ground level (e.g., in a pit or trench) may count if a fall is possible.
Why Is Working at Height Risk Assessment Important?
Understanding and managing the risks associated with working at height is vital for both legal compliance and human safety. Without proper assessment and planning, even short-duration tasks can result in life-changing injuries or fatalities.
Reasons Why It’s Crucial:
-
Legal Compliance: Most safety regulations, such as the UK’s Work at Height Regulations 2005, mandate that employers assess and mitigate the risks before any height-related work begins.
-
Protecting Lives: A properly conducted risk assessment can prevent falls, saving lives.
-
Minimizing Costs: Preventing accidents reduces costs related to compensation, insurance, medical expenses, and downtime.
-
Improved Productivity: When workers feel safe, they are more confident and productive.
Employers also have a moral and ethical responsibility to ensure their teams return home safely at the end of each workday.
Legal Requirements Around Working at Height
Different countries have varying regulations, but the principles are largely consistent. Employers and site managers are expected to:
-
Avoid working at height when possible.
-
Use appropriate equipment to prevent falls.
-
Train workers on height safety and rescue plans.
For example:
United Kingdom:
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all work at height. Employers must ensure:
-
All work at height is properly planned and supervised.
-
Competent people carry out the work.
-
The risks are assessed, and appropriate equipment is used.
United States:
Under OSHA’s 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, employers must:
-
Provide fall protection for employees working at heights of 6 feet or more.
-
Conduct hazard assessments and provide fall protection systems.
Note: Failing to comply with these regulations can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
How to Conduct a Working at Height Risk Assessment
A comprehensive risk assessment doesn’t need to be overly complex, but it must be thorough, site-specific, and documented. Here’s how to conduct one:
1. Identify the Task and Location
-
What work needs to be done?
-
Where will the work take place?
-
What equipment will be used?
2. Spot the Hazards
Ask:
-
Is there a risk of falling?
-
Are surfaces unstable or fragile?
-
Could falling objects injure someone below?
3. Determine Who May Be Harmed
-
Workers
-
Contractors
-
Visitors
-
Bystanders
4. Assess the Risks
Evaluate:
-
Likelihood of falls
-
Severity of injury
-
Frequency of exposure
Use a risk matrix (Low – High) to classify and prioritize the risks.
5. Implement Control Measures
Controls can be:
-
Elimination – Avoid the need to work at height altogether.
-
Substitution – Use safer alternatives (e.g., long-reach tools).
-
Engineering controls – Guardrails, scaffolding, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs).
-
Administrative controls – Training, procedures, signage.
-
PPE – Fall arrest harnesses, helmets.
6. Document the Assessment
Include:
-
The hazards identified
-
Risk ratings
-
Control measures
-
Responsible persons
-
Date of review
7. Review and Update
-
After an incident
-
When the task changes
-
After a significant equipment upgrade
Common Hazards When Working at Height
Understanding the types of risks allows for better planning and controls. Here are typical hazards:
1. Unprotected Edges: Workers near rooftops, mezzanines, or scaffolds without guardrails are at serious risk.
2. Fragile Surfaces: Skylights, old roofing, or corroded platforms may collapse under weight.
3. Ladders and Improper Access: Ladders that are unstable or used incorrectly are major causes of falls.
4. Weather Conditions: Rain, ice, or strong wind can increase the chance of slipping or losing balance.
5. Inadequate Fall Protection: Lack of proper harnessing, lifelines, or anchor points.
6. Dropped Objects: Tools or materials falling from height can injure those below.
Tip: Always inspect weather forecasts and equipment condition before beginning any job at height.
Effective Control Measures to Reduce Risks
Control measures are the heart of any good risk assessment. Use the Hierarchy of Controls approach.
1. Avoid Working at Height
-
Design equipment or systems that can be maintained from the ground.
-
Use extendable tools.
2. Use Safer Equipment
-
Mobile scaffolding towers
-
Aerial work platforms (cherry pickers, scissor lifts)
-
Fixed or portable guardrails
3. Provide Fall Protection Systems
-
Full body harness with shock-absorbing lanyards
-
Fall restraint and arrest systems
-
Safety nets
4. Training and Supervision
-
Provide working at height safety training
-
Ensure all workers are competent
-
Assign a competent person to supervise
5. Emergency Planning
-
Develop a rescue plan
-
Have trained personnel on-site for emergencies
-
Use marked access and egress routes
Practical Examples: Applying Working At Height Risk Assessment
Construction Site Roofing Job
Hazards: Unprotected edges, slippery surface
Controls: Scaffold with toe boards and guardrails, non-slip footwear, fall arrest system
Maintenance on Overhead Conveyor
Hazards: Working on catwalks, falling tools
Controls: Use of safety nets, tethered tools, and hard hats below
Window Cleaning of High-rise Building
Hazards: Swing stage failure, high wind
Controls: Pre-use inspection, weather monitoring, emergency descent plan
These real-life applications demonstrate how assessments aren’t just paperwork — they guide safe behavior on the ground.
Training and Competency Requirements
No matter how good your risk assessment is, it’s ineffective if workers don’t know how to apply it. That’s where training plays a crucial role.
Types of Training:
-
Working at Height Awareness
-
Harness Inspection and Use
-
Safe Ladder Usage
-
Rescue and Emergency Procedures
Who Needs Training?
-
Anyone who works at height
-
Supervisors and site managers
-
Safety officers are responsible for fall protection
Certification Bodies Include:
-
IPAF – For MEWP operators
-
CITB – For UK-based construction workers
-
OSHA 10/30-hour – For U.S. workers
Training should be refreshed annually or whenever significant changes occur.
Digital Tools for Risk Assessment
Modern organizations are embracing technology to streamline and enhance their safety assessments.
Tools You Can Use:
-
iAuditor – Mobile inspections and checklists
-
HammerTech – Construction safety management
-
SafetyCulture – Customizable risk assessments
-
Tableau/Power BI – For risk trend visualization
These platforms allow teams to capture, monitor, and report on safety data in real-time, enabling proactive management of height-related risks.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Risks by Assessing Smartly
A Working at Height Risk Assessment isn’t just a tick-box activity. It’s a vital tool for preventing injuries, staying compliant with laws, and creating a culture of proactive safety. Every elevated task — from simple ladder work to complex roof repairs — demands a structured approach to evaluating risk.
By applying the principles discussed in this guide, organizations can:
-
Minimize the risk of fatal falls
-
Improve operational safety
-
Comply with legal standards
-
Foster worker confidence and morale
Final Tip: Don’t wait for an incident to assess the risk. Plan ahead, assess wisely, and stay compliant.
FAQs on Working At Height Risk Assessment
1. Who should carry out the risk assessment?
A competent person — someone with the skills, knowledge, and experience to identify hazards and implement controls.
2. Is it mandatory to document the assessment?
Yes, especially if you have five or more employees, the law requires documentation.
3. How often should the assessment be reviewed?
It should be reviewed:
-
Annually
-
After an incident
-
When equipment or procedures change
Related Posts
9 Dreadful Work At Height Hazards And Control Measures
Work At Height Regulation That Enhances Working Safely At Height