Working at height involves tasks above ground level with a risk of falling and injury. It includes working on ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or any elevated surface. Precautions must be taken to avoid harm, regardless of the height involved and whether the works are being completed above or below ground level.

  • Working at height poses risks that must be prioritised to ensure safety. Falls from heights are a major cause of serious injuries and fatalities. Understanding hazards, regulations, and safe practices is essential for a safe working environment. Ignoring safety measures when working at height has severe consequences. Falls can result in life-changing injuries, legal penalties, increased costs, and reduced productivity.

  • Due to the nature of severity, Working at Height is covered in many legislative documents all comprised from the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. The Working at Height Regulations were installed in 2005 and have been documented in; The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, and The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. The fact that this type of safety legislation is documented so heavily, indicates how much of a risk it is to our industry. Your employer is duty bound to ensure that you have an educated understanding of keeping you safe at work.

  • Working at height exposes workers to hazards like unstable platforms, inadequate edge protection, incorrect access equipment use, lack of PPE, adverse weather conditions, and falling objects. Identifying and addressing these hazards is vital for a safe work environment.

In conclusion, working at height involves tasks above the ground with a risk of falling and injury. Safety must be prioritised to prevent harm. Failure to do so results in severe consequences, including legal and financial penalties. Compliance with relevant legislation, understanding hazards, and implementing control measures are necessary for a safe working environment.