The Work at Height Regulations 2005 came into force on 6th April 2005 and apply to all situations where there is a risk of a fall which is liable to cause personal injury or even death. The Work at Height Regulations place requirements on employers, the self-employed and any person that controls the work of others.

As Part of the Regulations you must ensure the following:

  • all work at height is properly planned and organised;
  • those involved in work at height are competent;
  • the risks from work at height are assessed and appropriate work equipment is selected and used;
  • the risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled; and
  • equipment for work at height is properly inspected and maintained.

There is also a simple hierarchy for managing and selecting equipment for work at height and you must:

  • avoid work at height where they can;
  • use work equipment or other measures in order to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at height; and
  • where they cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, should one occur.

Further advice and information regarding working at height can be found on the following websites:

Useful Downloads:

DOWNLOAD Working at Height Regulations 2005
DOWNLOAD Health & Safety Executive Working at Height Guide