According to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data, since 2001/02, falls from height has been the leading cause of work-related fatal injury. This continues be the case, last year, this type of injury accounted for over a quarter of workers’ deaths.

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 , employers have a legal duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of employees and those affected by business operations.

And as the statistics suggest, employers must demonstrate diligence when it comes to workers whose roles involve working at height.

What is working at height?

As per the Work at Height Regulations 2005, the working at height definition is a work activity in any environment where a person could be injured if they fall ; this includes at or below ground level, but excludes staircases in permanent workplaces.

What is classed as working at height?

Here’s an overview of examples of working at height:

• Workers using ladders, scaffolds, or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs)

• Working on roofs

• Work taking place near fragile surfaces

• Activities near open excavations

• Order picking in warehouses

Work at Height Regulations 2025: What are employers’ duties?

Working at height legislation outlines several legal duties and responsibilities that employers must adhere to, including:

• Avoid work at height: Where possible, employers must avoid work at height. They may do so by implementing alternative methods like long-handled tools or mechanical aids.

• Stop falls: Should work at height be unavoidable, suitable working at height equipment, such as guardrails, scaffolds or nets should be issued.

• Control the risks: In cases where falls cannot be eliminated, measures must be put in place to mitigate risks and consequences.

Employers are responsible for planning, organisation and supervision

Because of the risk associated, work at height should be carefully planned and organised. Where necessary, supervision should be provided for workers.

Prior to work commencing, risk assessments are to be conducted by a competent person. It should factor in weather conditions, the state of surfaces, and suitability of equipment.

It’s imperative that emergency and rescue procedures are in place, it’s equally as important that all workers are familiar with said processes.

Working at height training raining must be provided

Workers should receive sufficient training so that they’re competent when it comes to working at height. In order for them to carry out tasks safely, working at height training must include:

• Having necessary skills

• Relevant knowledge

• Extensive experience

Equipment must be thoroughly inspected

To improve safety, working at height equipment will be used, but its efficacy is often determined by inspections. Equipment should be suitable, properly maintained and inspected by a competent person.

Specific equipment, for example, MEWPS and scaffolds, must comply with their respective and recognised standards.

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