Work at Height

Work at height means working in a place (except a staircase in a permanent workplace) where a person could be injured by falling from it, even if it is at or below ground level.

The Work at Height Regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. They place duties on employers and the self-employed.

Some examples of activities covered by the Regulations include:

• Using a kick-stool or step ladder in a stock room or library
• Order picking using a fork-truck with an integrated platform
• Using a mobile elevating work platform to erect steel work
• Using trestles and ladders to paint or clean
• Changing lamps or ceiling tiles in an office
• Working on the back of a lorry to sheet a load
• Working on top of a fuel truck
• Climbing masts or poles
• Rigging lighting for a concert or stage production
• Using harnesses and ropes professionally to instruct in abseiling or rock climbing
• Working close to an open excavation or cellar trap door
• Erecting bill posters at a height
• Erecting or working on a scaffold

Information Sheets

• Using Ladders Safely
• Safe Use of Work Platform / Trestles