Working at height remains one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities in the UK. Whether employees are using ladders, mobile platforms, scaffolding or working on roofs, falls from height can have life-changing consequences.
Many incidents occur during routine maintenance, inspections, stock retrieval or construction work. In many cases, accidents can be prevented through careful planning, suitable equipment, effective supervision and appropriate training.
Employers should ensure work at height is properly assessed before it begins and that employees understand both the hazards involved and the emergency procedures that should be followed if something goes wrong.
This guide explains working at height safety, employer responsibilities, common hazards, fall prevention measures and first aid considerations.
This information is general guidance and should not be considered legal advice.
Working at height generally refers to any work where a person could fall and suffer injury if suitable precautions are not in place.
It does not only include working on roofs or scaffolding. Many everyday workplace tasks may involve working at height.
Examples include:
Even relatively low falls can result in serious injuries depending on the circumstances.
Falls from height frequently result in more severe injuries than many other workplace accidents. The combination of height, hard surfaces and equipment means even short falls can lead to fractures, head injuries or major trauma.
Common consequences include:
Many incidents occur because equipment is unsuitable, inspections are missed or work is rushed.
Employers should plan work at height carefully and take suitable measures to reduce risks wherever reasonably practicable.
This may include:
Planning work before it begins is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents.
Every working at height task should be considered individually. The safest method may vary depending on the workplace, equipment and environmental conditions.
Risk assessments may consider:
Related guide:
Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment
The safest equipment depends on the task being carried out. Using equipment that is unsuitable for the work can significantly increase the likelihood of accidents.
| Equipment | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Step ladder | Short duration tasks at relatively low height. |
| Extension ladder | Access to higher areas where appropriate. |
| Tower scaffold | Longer duration maintenance work. |
| Mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) | Higher level access for larger jobs. |
| Fixed working platform | Regular access to elevated work areas. |
The equipment selected should always be suitable for both the task and the environment.
Ladders remain one of the most commonly used access methods in UK workplaces. While they are suitable for many short-duration tasks, incorrect use is a frequent cause of falls.
Good ladder safety includes:
Employees should never use ladders beyond their intended purpose.
The most effective approach is preventing falls before work begins.
Depending on the activity, suitable precautions may include:
Preventing a fall is always preferable to relying solely on personal protective equipment.
Weather can significantly affect the safety of work at height, particularly for outdoor activities. Rain, strong winds, snow, ice and extreme heat can all increase risks.
Before work begins, employers should consider whether weather conditions make the task unsafe or whether additional precautions are required.
Examples include:
If conditions become unsafe, work should be postponed until it can be carried out safely.
Not every elevated surface is designed to support a person's weight. Fragile roofs, rooflights and certain building materials can fail without warning.
Before anyone works on or near a fragile surface, employers should assess the risks and identify suitable control measures.
Examples of potentially fragile surfaces include:
Employees should never assume that a roof or elevated surface is safe simply because it appears solid.
Maintenance, inspections and repair work on roofs present some of the highest risks associated with working at height.
Common hazards include:
Roof work should be carefully planned and supervised, with appropriate access equipment and emergency arrangements in place.
Working at height does not only present risks to the person carrying out the task. Tools, materials and equipment may also fall and injure people below.
Employers should consider:
Depending on the nature of the work, employees may require suitable personal protective equipment.
Examples include:
PPE should complement other safety measures rather than replace them.
Related guide:
Employees should receive suitable training for the work they are expected to carry out.
Training may include:
Training should be reviewed periodically and whenever working practices change.
The level of supervision required depends on the nature of the work, employee experience and workplace risks.
New employees or those carrying out unfamiliar tasks may require closer supervision until they demonstrate competence.
Employers should consider how an injured person could be assisted if an incident occurs while working at height.
Emergency planning may include:
Emergency procedures should be understood before work begins.
Falls from height can result in serious injuries, even where there are no immediately obvious signs of trauma.
Potential injuries include:
Where someone has fallen from height, emergency medical assistance may be required depending on the circumstances and apparent injuries.
Related guides:
Falls from height and related incidents should be reported in accordance with workplace procedures.
Accurate reporting helps employers investigate incidents, identify trends and improve future safety arrangements.
Related guides:
| Checklist Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Risk assessment completed | ✓ |
| Suitable access equipment selected | ✓ |
| Equipment inspected before use | ✓ |
| Weather conditions assessed | ✓ |
| Employees trained and competent | ✓ |
| PPE available where required | ✓ |
| Emergency procedures understood | ✓ |
| First aid arrangements available | ✓ |
Working at height remains one of the highest-risk workplace activities, but many accidents can be prevented through careful planning, suitable equipment, effective supervision and appropriate training.
By identifying hazards before work begins and ensuring employees understand safe working practices, employers can significantly reduce the risk of falls and create a safer working environment.
You may also find these workplace health and safety guides helpful:
Working at height generally includes any work where a person could fall and suffer injury if suitable precautions are not in place. This includes work on ladders, scaffolding, roofs, mobile platforms, mezzanines and elevated work areas.
Yes. Using a ladder is considered working at height because there is a risk of falling and being injured.
Employers are responsible for planning work safely, carrying out suitable risk assessments, providing appropriate equipment and ensuring employees receive suitable information, instruction and training.
Ladders should be visually checked before use and inspected in accordance with workplace procedures to ensure they remain safe and suitable for the task.
Yes. Wind, rain, ice, snow and poor visibility can all increase the risk of falls and should be considered before work begins.
The type of PPE depends on the work being carried out and the findings of the workplace risk assessment. PPE should support other control measures rather than replace them.
The area should be made safe, emergency services contacted if required and appropriate first aid provided by trained personnel while avoiding unnecessary movement of the injured person unless there is immediate danger.
Yes. Because falls from height can result in serious injuries, employers should ensure suitable first aid arrangements form part of their emergency planning.
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