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📋 Toolbox Talk  ·  Health & Safety

Working at Height:
Control the Risk

The Work at Height Regulations 2005, hierarchy of controls, ladder safety, scaffold inspections, fall prevention and your right to refuse unsafe work.

✅ Verified July 2026📚 HSE · WAH Regs 2005🇬🇧 Applies across the UKukworkrights.co.uk
The law

Work at Height Regulations 2005

  • Working at height means any place where a person could fall and injure themselves — including below ground level
  • Employers must ensure work at height is properly planned, supervised and carried out safely
  • Work at height must only be done when it cannot be avoided
  • Falls from height remain the single biggest cause of workplace fatalities in the UK
  • In 2023/24 there were 50 fatal falls from height across UK workplaces (HSE)
  • You must receive training and instruction before working at height
  • You have the right to refuse unsafe work at height without fear of dismissal

⚠ Any height counts

The regulations apply to any height where a fall could cause injury — even a low platform or kerb. There is no minimum height threshold.
Hierarchy of control

The right approach — in order

1
Avoid work at height altogether

If the task can be done from the ground — do it from the ground. Extendable tools, drones, remote cameras. Always the first option.

2
Prevent falls — use collective protection

Guard rails, barriers, scaffolding, MEWPs (cherry pickers). Protects everyone without relying on individual behaviour.

3
Minimise the effect of a fall

Safety nets, airbags, harnesses and lanyards. Only used where collective protection is not reasonably practicable.

4
Ladders — last resort for short duration only

Ladders are only appropriate for low-risk, short-duration work where other equipment isn't justified. Three points of contact at all times.

Ladder safety

Using ladders safely

  • Inspect before every use — check stiles, rungs and feet
  • Secure the ladder at the top, or have someone foot it
  • Maintain three points of contact at all times
  • Do not carry loads that prevent three-point contact
  • Lean angle 75° (1 out for every 4 up)
  • Never work off the top three rungs
  • Step ladders must be fully open with the platform lock engaged
  • Do not use a ladder in high winds
  • Ladder must extend 1 metre above the landing point

⚠ Ladder misuse is the biggest risk

Most ladder accidents involve improper use — incorrect angle, overreaching, wet feet, wrong type for the task. Check before every use.
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a harness to use a ladder?
Not for short-duration ladder work where the ladder is properly secured and three-point contact is maintained. Harnesses are required for work on roofs, scaffolds, MEWPs and where collective protection (guardrails) is not in place.
Who can sign off scaffolding as safe?
Scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person before use, after alteration, and after any event likely to affect its stability. Inspections must be recorded. Only competent scaffolders (typically CISRS-carded) should erect or dismantle scaffold.
Can I refuse to work at height if I think it's unsafe?
Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, you can refuse work you believe poses a serious and imminent risk. Report the concern to your supervisor or HSE. You cannot be dismissed or disciplined for this.
What are MEWPs?
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms — cherry pickers, scissor lifts, boom lifts. Operators must be trained and assessed as competent. Platforms must be inspected and have a current LOLER examination certificate.
Free H&S guidance

Working at Height
free guidance

Get plain-English guidance on your rights and your employer's legal duties.

HSE Infoline
0300 003 1747
hse.gov.uk
ACAS
0300 123 1100
acas.org.uk
Citizens Advice
0800 144 8848
citizensadvice.org.uk
UK Work Rights
Working at Height
ukworkrights.co.uk/toolbox-workingatheight.html

General guidance only — not legal advice · Verified July 2026 · © UK Work Rights Ltd · Company No. 17228507