Working at Height

Falls from height resulted in 25 deaths, 2,522 non fatal injuries and 2,727 non fatal over 7 day RIDDOR injuries, according toHSE workplace statistics for 2012/13.

Definition of work at height

‘Work at height’ means work in any place where a person could fall down and injure themselves. Examples include using work platforms or scaffolds, working on a roof, pieces of plant or equipment and using ladders.

Employer obligations

Every employer must ensure that work at height is:

• properly planned (which includes the selection of appropriate work equipment);

Competence

Those working at height must be competent to do so having the appropriate experience, knowledge, supervision and training which is suitable for the type of work at height being undertaken.

Work at Height Risk Assessment

Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety Regulations require every employer to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work.

The employer must assess all other methods of doing the work safely than at height. 

We can help you with carrying out a Work at Height Risk Assessment. Please contact Sally Beck for further information.

Further information on working at height is available on the HSE website.