Why This Matters
Falls from height account for around 40% of all fatal injuries in the UK construction industry each year, according to the HSE. It's the number one killer on site — and most incidents are preventable.
The Law: Work at Height Regulations 2005
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all work where there is a risk of falling that could cause personal injury. This includes:
- Roofing (pitched and flat)
- Scaffolding and working platforms
- Ladders and stepladders
- MEWPs (cherry pickers, scissor lifts)
- Working near excavations or voids
The Hierarchy of Control
The regulations require you to follow this order:
- Avoid working at height where possible
- Prevent falls using collective protection (scaffolding, edge protection, safety nets)
- Mitigate the consequences if a fall occurs (safety harnesses, airbags)
You must not jump straight to harnesses — collective protection must be considered first.
Specific Requirements
- All work at height must be planned and supervised by a competent person
- Equipment must be inspected before use and records kept
- Workers must be trained in the safe use of equipment
- Ladders should only be used for short-duration, low-risk tasks — not as a regular work platform
- Edge protection must be in place where operatives could fall more than 2 metres
Common Enforcement Issues
The HSE regularly prosecutes contractors for:
- No edge protection on flat roofs
- Incomplete scaffolding used as a working platform
- Untrained workers using harnesses incorrectly
- No competent person overseeing the work
Key Documents You Need
- A risk assessment covering all fall hazards
- A method statement detailing how the task will be completed safely
- Inspection records for any scaffold, MEWP or harness used
- Evidence of training for all operatives
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