IOSH
Working at height essentials
Guidance for understanding and managing work at height risks
This resource explains what qualifies as work at height, why some situations are more dangerous than others and who may be most vulnerable. It outlines practical ways to make tasks safer and summarises the legal responsibilities that help protect workers and the public.
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.
Working at height requires careful planning and strict control. By identifying hazards, choosing the right controls and creating 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.
Who is at risk?
Some sectors face higher risks because of the nature of their work. Construction, agriculture, warehousing, maintenance, emergency services and utilities are among those most exposed.
But falls from height happen in every industry. Complacency, assuming a task is low risk or taking shortcuts, leads to avoidable harm in ordinary situations:
- a factory worker standing on a box to reach equipment
- a facilities manager balancing 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 face greater individual risk too, including those who are new to a role, working alone, or unfamiliar with site hazards.
Workers experiencing fatigue, distraction, fear of heights or poorly managed health conditions are also at heightened risk.
What makes some work at height more hazardous?
Work at height always carries a fall risk, but several factors increase the danger:
- fragile, uneven or slippery surfaces – including damaged roofs and weather-affected ground
- unstable ground, such as beside a trench or under a scaffold or ladder
- poor visibility – limited lighting or carrying objects that restrict your line of sight
- poor housekeeping, such as equipment or packaging left lying around
- unsuitable or unsafe footwear
- unsuitable, 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 – heavy rain, wind, extreme heat or cold.
Falls aren’t the only risk
Dropped tools and materials can seriously injure other workers or members of the public – employers must manage these hazards too.
Legal responsibilities
Everyone has a legal duty to keep work at height safe. Responsibilities differ depending on your role.
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Workers
Must take an active role in their own safety and that of others when working at height.
- 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 risk when working at height
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Employers
Must ensure work at height is properly planned and managed:
- 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
Summary
- 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.
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Checklist
Use this quick checklist to make sure you are being thorough and up to date.
- 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
