Working at height is one of the most common causes of serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace. Falls from stepladders, ladders, scaffolding, or through fragile surfaces are just some examples of the dangers present. 

The HSE Definition of 'Work at height' means work in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. You are working at height if you:

• work above ground/floor level
• could fall from an edge, through an opening or fragile surface or
• could fall from ground level into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground

Work at height does not include a slip or a trip on the level, as a fall from height has to involve a fall from one level to a lower level, nor does it include walking up and down a permanent staircase in a building.

In 2023/24 Falls from height accounted for 36% of the workplace fatal injury statistics for Great Britain. To view these figures Click Here.

Employers have a duty to protect their workers by taking practical measures to prevent falls and ensure safety. This blog will discuss how to prevent accidents while working at height, with guidance on planning and executing tasks safely, and how ST Safety Services can help businesses through our training courses.

Introduction to Working at Height Safely

To minimise the risk of accidents, employers must ensure that all work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge. Selecting the right equipment is crucial, and a sensible approach should be taken when assessing and mitigating risks.

Key Considerations:

The Height of the Task: Understand the potential risk associated with the height of the task.

The Duration and Frequency: Consider how long and how often the task will be performed at height.

The Condition of Surfaces: Assess the stability and strength of the surfaces involved.

Steps to Prevent Accidents

1. Avoid Work at Height Where Possible

The best way to prevent accidents is to avoid working at height altogether if it's reasonably practicable. For example, using long-handled tools from the ground can eliminate the need to climb.

2. Use Collective Protection

When work at height cannot be avoided, collective protection methods should be prioritised. These methods do not require active participation from the worker to be effective, such as:

Guardrails: Permanent or temporary barriers can prevent falls from edges.

Scissor Lifts and Tower Scaffolds: These provide stable platforms for working at height.

3. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

When collective measures are insufficient, personal protection should be used. This includes:

Safety Harnesses: Properly fitted and connected to secure anchor points, harnesses can prevent serious injuries in the event of a fall.

Energy-Absorbing Lanyards: These reduce the impact force on a person if they do fall.

What to Do and Not Do When Working at Height

Do Work from the Ground: Perform as much work as possible from ground level.

Do Ensure Safe Access: Provide safe routes to and from the working area.

Do Use Suitable Equipment: Ensure all equipment is appropriate for the task, stable, and regularly checked.

Do Consider Fragile Surfaces: Take extra precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces, such as roofs.

Don’t Overload Ladders: Consider the weight of tools and materials before climbing.

Don’t Overreach: Maintain balance and do not overextend beyond the ladder’s safe working limits.

Don’t Rest Ladders on Weak Surfaces: Avoid placing ladders against fragile materials like plastic gutters.

Don’t Use Ladders for Heavy Tasks: Ladders are suitable only for light, short-duration tasks (up to 30 minutes).

Don’t Let Inexperienced Workers Work at Height: Ensure all workers are competent and properly trained.

Preventing Falls from Ladders

Using ladders safely is critical. They should only be used for tasks of short duration and must be set up correctly, ensuring they are on a stable, even surface and not overextended. Workers should maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand) at all times.

To use a ladder, you must be competent or, if you are being trained, you should be working under the supervision of a competent person.

Competence can be demonstrated through a combination of training, practical and theoretical knowledge, and experience.

Training should be appropriate for the task, and this includes knowing:

• how to assess the risks of using a ladder for a particular task
• when it is right to use a ladder (and when it is not)
• which type of ladder to use and how to use it

For example, when using a stepladder to carry out a task you should:

• Ensure the stepladder is in a good state of repair. Carry out a visual inspection e.g. all rungs present
• Check all four stepladder feet are in contact with the ground and the steps are level
• Only carry light materials and tools
• Don’t overreach
• Don’t stand and work on the top three steps (including a step forming the very top of the stepladder) unless there is a suitable handhold
• Ensure any locking devices are engaged
• Try to position the stepladder to face the work activity and not side on. However, there are occasions when a risk assessment may show it is safer to work side on
• Try to avoid work that imposes a side loading, such as side-on drilling through solid materials
• Where side loadings cannot be avoided, you should prevent the steps from tipping over, e.g. by tying the steps. Otherwise, use a more suitable type of access equipment
• Maintain three points of contact at the working position. This means two feet and one hand, or when both hands need to be free for a brief period, two feet and the body supported by the stepladder

When deciding whether it is safe to carry out a particular task on a stepladder where you cannot maintain a handhold (e.g. to put a box on a shelf, hang wallpaper, or install a smoke detector on a ceiling), the decision needs to be justified, taking into account:

• the height of the task
• whether a handhold is still available to steady yourself before and after the task
• whether it is light work
• whether it avoids side loading
• whether it avoids overreaching
• whether the stepladder can be tied (e.g. when side-on working)

Legal Requirements

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 place a legal obligation on employers and those in control of work at height (such as contractors or building owners) to ensure all reasonable steps are taken to prevent falls. This includes conducting risk assessments, providing appropriate equipment, and ensuring workers are properly trained and competent.

Training Courses from ST Safety Services

To help businesses comply with regulations and protect their workers, ST Safety Services offers a range of specialised e-learning training courses:

1. Ladder Safety Training

Covers proper selection, inspection, and safe use of ladders and step ladders. This course is essential for anyone who uses ladders in their work. 

2. Working at Height Training

A comprehensive course that covers all aspects of working safely at height, including risk assessments, using fall protection systems, and emergency procedures.

We also offer complementary e-learning courses on topics such as working safely, lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations and slips, trips and falls to view our e-learning options Click Here or Contact Us to discuss your training needs. 

Preventing accidents while working at height requires careful planning, the right equipment, and competent, well-trained employees. By following best practices and adhering to legal requirements, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with working at height.

For comprehensive training and support, consider ST Safety Services' range of courses designed to ensure safety and compliance. Investing in proper training not only helps prevent accidents but also supports a culture of safety within your business. Stay safe and protect your team with us.