The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (UK)

Falls from height are the biggest single cause of workplace deaths in Britain, and the Work at Height Regulations 2005 are the law that aims to prevent them. This guide explains what the regulations require in plain terms.

What work at height means

Work at height is work in any place where a person could fall a distance liable to cause injury. It is not limited to a set height. Working on a flat roof, up a ladder, on a scaffold or near an open edge or opening all count.

Who the duty falls on

The duty holder, usually the employer or whoever controls the work, must make sure work at height is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people, and that equipment is suitable and inspected.

The hierarchy of control

1. Avoid work at height where you reasonably can, for example by assembling at ground level or using extendable tools.
2. Prevent falls using a safe existing place of work or the right equipment, such as a tower scaffold or a mobile platform with guard rails.
3. Minimise the distance and consequences of a fall where risk remains, using nets, airbags or a harness and fall arrest as a last resort.

Inspection and equipment

Work equipment for height must be inspected before use and at suitable intervals. Scaffolds must be inspected before first use and at least every seven days, and after anything that could affect stability. Fragile surfaces such as rooflights must be treated as a hole and guarded or covered.

Record your assessment

Record the fall hazards and controls for the job. Our working at height risk assessment guide shows how, and our template gives you the form to use.