Working at height essentials

In this resource

• What counts as working at height
• What makes some work at height more hazardous
• Who is at risk
• How work at height can be made safer
• Legal responsibilities relating to work at height
• Key takeaways
• Checklist

What counts as working at height?

Any work carried out at height can be hazardous, as there is always a risk of falling. Some locations where falling from height can cause serious injury include:

• ladders and stepladders 
• roofs 
• scaffolding and platforms 
• mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) 
• mezzanine floors 
• the sides of manholes or trenches 
• loading bays or garages with drops 
• the top of a vehicle or load

What makes some work at height more hazardous?

Work at height always carries a fall risk, but several factors can increase this.

Examples include:

• fragile or uneven surfaces, such as damaged roofs
• slippery surfaces caused by weather
• unstable ground
  • beside a trench
  • under a scaffold or ladder
• poor housekeeping, such as equipment or packaging left lying around
• poor visibility
  • limited lighting
  • carrying objects that restrict vision
• unsuitable or unsafe footwear
• unsafe or damaged access equipment
• misusing equipment, such as climbing on boxes or chairs
• faulty personal protective equipment (PPE) or unsafe systems of work
• unprotected edges and openings
• severe weather, such as heavy rain, wind, extreme heat or cold

It isn’t only falls that cause harm. Dropped tools or materials can injure other workers or the public, and employers must manage these hazards too.

Who's at risk?

Some sectors face higher risks because of the type of work carried out.

These include:

• construction – working on scaffolding or rooftops
• agriculture – work in silos, on large vehicles or roofs
• warehousing and logistics – stock-picking and working around large vehicles
• emergency services – firefighting and rescue work
• maintenance and facilities – cleaning windows or repairing roofs
• utilities and infrastructure – wind turbines, power lines, bridge

However, falls from height occur in all industries. Complacency – assuming a task is low risk or taking shortcuts – can lead to avoidable harm.

For example:

• a factory worker standing on a box to clean equipment
• a facilities manager standing on a bath edge to fix a showerhead
• a teacher standing on a chair to pin up artwork
• a barista climbing on a counter to reach a jar

Some workers may also be at greater risk, such as:

• new employees with limited experience
• young workers who may take unnecessary risks
• lone workers without immediate assistance
• contractors unfamiliar with site hazards
• workers with poorly managed chronic health conditions or pregnant workers
• workers with a fear of heights
• workers under pressure or distracted
• workers experiencing fatigue, affecting balance and judgement

Guidance on how to assess these risks is available in our Risk Assessment: Work at Height resource.

What are the legal responsibilities relating to work at height?

Employers must:

• assess risks from working at height
• provide suitable fall prevention and fall arrest equipment
• provide training and assess understanding
• plan work to create safe systems, including emergency procedures
• ensure workers are competent and medically fit to work at height
• supervise work to ensure safe systems are followed

Workers must:

• use equipment as trained
• report defects or unsafe conditions immediately
• follow instructions and safe systems of work
• take reasonable care for themselves and others
• declare medical conditions that may increase their

Key takeaways

• Working at height is hazardous in every industry, not only construction.
• Risk factors include fragile surfaces, poor visibility, unsuitable equipment and severe weather.
• Dropped objects can injure others below, not just the person at height.
• Employers must assess risks, provide equipment, training and safe systems of work.
• Workers must follow procedures, use equipment correctly and report defects.
• Complacency and shortcuts are major contributors to accidents.

Checklist

• Complete a risk assessment for all work at height tasks. 
• Ensure surfaces and access equipment are stable and suitable. 
• Provide fall prevention and fall arrest systems (for example guardrails, harnesses). 
• Train workers and check their competence. 
• Inspect PPE and equipment before use. 
• Plan emergency procedures and communicate them clearly. 
• Supervise work and enforce safe systems.
• Monitor weather conditions and adjust plans.

Summary

Working at height requires careful planning and strict control. By identifying hazards, choosing the right controls and fostering a culture of responsibility, organisations can greatly reduce the likelihood of falls and related injuries. Safety at height isn’t optional – it is a legal and moral obligation that protects lives and strengthens workplace resilience.

This guide aligns with IOSH's competency framework at the 'understand' level, covering risk identification, assessment, and control fundamentals.