Guidance · Work at Height Regs 2005

Working at height, without the wobble

Falls from height are one of the biggest causes of workplace deaths. The rules are simple: avoid it if you can, stop a fall if you can't, and limit the damage if you can't stop it.

steps: avoid, prevent, minimise
3
steps: avoid, prevent, minimise
the right ladder angle
75°
the right ladder angle
days max between scaffold checks
7
days max between scaffold checks
01

What counts as work at height

Any place where someone could fall and be injured, including at ground level into a hole, or from a step stool. There's no 'safe' minimum height.

“Every employer shall ensure that work at height is (a) properly planned; (b) appropriately supervised; and (c) carried out in a manner which is so far as is reasonably practicable safe ...”
Regulation 4(1)Work at Height Regulations 2005

In plain EnglishThink it through before anyone goes up, make sure someone's keeping an eye on it, and do it in the safest reasonable way.

02

Avoid, prevent, minimise

Work through the questions to find the right approach for your job.

  1. 1Avoid
  2. 2Prevent
  3. 3Minimise
  4. Stop and get advice
Question 1 of 3

Can the job be done from the ground?

Long-handled tools, assembling on the ground, or working from inside.

03

Getting ladders right

Ladders aren't banned. They're fine for short, light work, used properly. Move the foot to find the right angle.

1.6 m out6 m up75°

Spot on: about 1 out for every 4 up.

  • • Ladders are for short, light work, not a long job in one spot
  • • Secure it, or have it footed
  • • Keep three points of contact, and don't overreach
  • • Check it before every use
04

Scaffolds and towers

  • Erected, altered and taken down by competent people
  • Inspected before first use, after bad weather, and at least every 7 days
  • Guard rails, toe boards and fully boarded platforms
  • A tag at the access point showing it's safe to use
  • Mobile towers: brakes on, outriggers fitted, never moved with people on
  • Nobody climbs a scaffold that's incomplete or tagged unsafe
Fragile surfaces
Roof lights and old cement sheets won't take a person's weight. Treat every roof as fragile until you know otherwise.
05

On site

Tap the scaffold, ladder and slab edge markers for the essentials.

TAGHI-VIS SAFETYHARD HATS MUST BE WORN123456789101112
Building site
Explored 0 of 12
2
Quick fix
5
Often missed
5
Could be serious
1

Scaffold

Could be serious

Inspect it before first use, after bad weather and at least every 7 days. No tag, no climb.

06

Quick check

Quick check · 1 of 3

What's the first thing to ask about any work at height?

07

How we help

As your competent person, this is part of your package or available as an add-on.

Work at height assessments

Clear assessments for the height work you actually do, from ladders to roofs.

Scaffold and site checks

On a site visit we check access, edge protection and inspection records.

Safe systems of work

Simple procedures for ladders, towers and roof work your team can follow.

Training

Practical sessions on ladders, towers and working near edges, as an add-on.

More guidance
CDM 2015Who does what on construction work, and when to notify HSE.AsbestosWhere it hides, and the duty to manage it.Risk assessmentThe five steps, rating risk, and controls that work.Fire safetyFire risk assessment and the responsible person's duties.Reporting accidentsIs it reportable under RIDDOR? Find out in a few clicks.Young workersApprentices and under-18s: assessments and working hours.

Guidance reviewed October 2026. A plain-English summary of the law in England, Scotland and Wales, not legal advice. Always check the full text on legislation.gov.uk and the latest HSE guidance.

Working at height this month?

Book a free compliance check and we'll make sure the plan stands up.

Book your free compliance check hivissafetyltd@gmail.com
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