Toolbox Talk

WORKING AT HEIGHT
THE LAW WHAT IS WORKING AT HEIGHT?

A place is at height if a person could be

The Work at Height
injured falling from it, even if it is at or
Regulations 2005
below ground level.

Work includes moving around at a place

of work (except by a staircase in a
permanent workplace) but not travel to or
GUIDANCE from a place of work

The Work at Height Regulations 2005

The regulations require apply to all work at height where there is a
that: risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury
All work at height is
properly planned and WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
organised
Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of workplace deaths
All work at height takes and are responsible for around 3350 major injuries a year.
account of weather
conditions that could There is no safe height to work from and anyone working off the ground
endanger health and is at risk of falling.
safety
There is also a risk of falling materials, tools or equipment which could
Those involved in work at endanger passers-by, appropriate measures should be taken to remove
height are trained and this danger, e.g. barriers etc.
competent

The place where the

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
work at height is done is
safe The Work at Height Regulations 2005 place duties on employers, and
any person who controls the work of others (e.g. facilities managers or
Equipment for work at building owners who subcontract this work) See guidance to the left.
height is appropriately
inspected An employer has to do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent
anyone falling.
The risk from fragile
surfaces are properly If you are an employee or working under someone elses control the
controlled regulations say you must:
Report any safety hazards
The risk from falling Use the equipment supplied (including safety devices) properly,
objects are properly following any training and instructions.
controlled

FOR FURTHER ADVICE CONTACT YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVISOR

: M Crossman This information is purely for guidance and should not be taken as legally binding advice