Working at Height

Falls from height remain the most common cause of workplace fatality.  In 2011/12 there were approximately (figures subject to final confirmation (HSE)) 35 fatalities, 3000 major injuries and a further 6000 injuries that caused the injured person to be off work for over seven days or more due to a fall from height.   Whilst these figures are down from the previous year, it is still unacceptable. 

Prior to the Work at Height Regulations the generally accepted rule of working above 2m in height required control measures to be in place.

The revised regulations require that work at any height, where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury, either above or below ground level, requires control measures to be in place. 

It is therefore essential that all work at height is planned, that a Risk Assessment approach is used with a hierarchy of control (avoid work at height if at all possible) in the planning, where only suitable and appropriate equipment is selected for the task, and where all individuals are trained and adequately supervised. 

Caution: This statement gives basic information on health and safety. Please contact the Advice Line for specific advice. Contact Us.