If you work at height, you'll know that taking safety seriously isan important priority. Working at height is the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry, and this is no surprise with workers commonly working on rooftops, ladders, and fragile surfaces.
The HSE (Health and Safety Executives) are fully aware of the risks involved with such tasks and have statedworking at height regulations that must be adhered to for safety when working at height.
In this blog we will aim to answer some commonly asked questions surrounding working at height, including;
- What is working at height?
- What responsibilities do employers have when working at height?
- What responsibilities do employees have when working at height?
- How to comply with working at height regulations
- How to carry out a working at height risk assessment
Working at Height Regulations for Employers and Employees:
- Avoid setting jobs that involve working at a dangerous height when possible
- Do what you can to minimisethe distance and consequencesof a fall
- Use equipment which prevents falls (such as harnesses especially for working at height!)
- Ensure that employees are instructed and trained to work at height
- Ensure the work is planned, organisedand supervised at all times
- Make sure that the risksfrom fragile surfaces have been properly controlled
- Take weather conditions into account each time working at height needs to be done
- Check that all equipment for working at height is checked and inspected
- Check the place where working at height take will take place is safe
- Take care totake any precautions that minimise the risk of falling objects
These regulations are not only to help individuals understand what they can do to help protect themselves, but also to alert employers to the responsibilitiesthey have for employees who are working at height.
This guide should help explain the official working at height regulations and responsibilities, whether you're an employer looking to take the necessarysteps or an employee who wants to know their rights are being followed.
What is working at height?
In 2005, 'working at height' was defined as being at least 2 metres above ground. This criterion has since been removed, and there is no longer a minimum height for which working at height considerations apply. 'Working at height' now refers to any place where, if there are no precautions in place, a person could potentially fall and injure themselves - this is the case even if the drop is below ground level. Common examples of working at height involve work that is carried out upon roofs, scaffolding, or on ladders.
TheHSE define 'working at height' as:
"work in any place where, if there were no precautions in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury(for example a fall through a fragile roof)"
This does not include going up and down on permanent staircases in a building, or trips and falls on one level. A fall from heightmust involve falling from one level to another level.
How to comply with working at height regulations
There are a number of regulations that apply to working at height, many of which concern how an employer is responsible (to a reasonable extent) for their employee's safety when working at height. If you control any work that will take place at height, as a building manager or facility co-ordinator,you must ensure the following things:
- Avoid setting jobs that involve working at a dangerous height when possible
- Do what you can to minimisethe distance and consequencesof a fall
- Use equipment which prevents falls
Employers who are planning the work must be sure to:
- Ensure that employees are instructed and trained to work at height
- Ensure the work is planned, organisedand supervised at all times
- Control and assess the risk of injury
- Take weather conditions into account each time working at height needs to be done
- Check that all equipment for working at height is checked and inspected
- Check the place where working at height take will take place is safe
- Take precautions that minimise the risk of falling objects
What must employees do to appropriately follow working at height regulations?
Of course, employers can't control everything - there is a level of responsibility the employee has to ensure their own safety. Not every instance can be controlled by the employer, particularly how their employee will behave whilst carrying out work at height. For that reason, employees must ensure that:
- They comply with theWorking at Height Regulations
- They are not under the influence of any intoxicant which could lead them to become a danger to themselves or others at work
- They use the working at height equipment or tools they have access to which prevents falls or accidents
- They wear appropriate PPE
- They report any known dangers in the workplace such as defective equipment that may become a health and safety risk
- They behave in a responsible manner to protect the health and safetyof themselves and others
- They utilise the working at height safety training provided by the employer
What training could my employer provide for working at height?
Training courses can help both the employer and employee ensure they know of all the proper precautions that could keep everyone working at height safe. Two of the courses you could consider are:
General Working at Height Training - Learn the essential knowledge anyone working at height should be aware of. Understand the regulations and understand the best ways to minimiserisks.
- Learn the correct harness and lanyard for each situation to make sure the proper equipment is being used. Important for employers and employees to know so they can ensure they are properly prepared for working at height.
How do you carry out a working at height risk assessment?
Regulations state that a risk assessment must be carried out before any working at height takes place. This a full examination of the factors that could cause harm in the workplace so that the correct precautions can be carried out. This is to ensure all risks have been determined so they can be reduced or eliminated.Take a read of this blog to find out what's involved when planning a working at height plan.
A competent working at height risk assessment will involve:
- Identifying the potential hazards
- Identifying who may be harmed and how
- Evaluate all known potential risks
- A detailed record of all the potential hazards
It is illegal to work at height until a risk assessment has been carried out. It is only following this assessment that an employer can review and update how they have taken steps to minimise or reduce these risks.
How do you plan a working at height rescue plan?
Even if you have taken all the necessary precautions that are legally required and have adhered to all working at height regulations, it's impossible to account for every possibility. This is why it is so important that a working at height rescue plan is in place in case of an accident or injury.
The HSE regulations ensures that this is taken to account by the employer and that employees are aware of it. Those who are expected to carry out the rescue plan must be suitably trained for such procedures and this rescue plan must be updated frequently to ensure any equipment that may be required is checked or updated.
Each rescue plan should ensure that a working at height kit is always near in case of any incident. If you need to get a rescue kit for your project you can browse our Emergency Rescue Kits here.
If you are creating a working at height rescue plan you must consider:
- What is the anchor point for all safety equipment?
- Will the rescuers be putting themselves in danger when carrying out the plan?
- How will the rescuers move those in need once they are reached?
- Is the safety equipment the individual was using still intact/safe?
- How will the individual be attached to the rescue kit?
What equipment should be provided to employees working at height?
There is a wide range of equipment that can help prevent an individual from getting injured whilst working at height. We make it our business to supply the equipment that is needed in this working condition.Take a look at our full range ofworking at height safety equipment, or see our list below of vital equipment we recommend you think about when preparing your team to work at height:
Harnesses Height Safety Kits Fall Protection Equipment
If you would like any advice on what equipment best suits your working at height plan, feel free to get in touch. We are more than happy to ensure you know what equipment is needed to follow correct work at height regulations and fulfil employer responsibilities. For any query regarding and safety or lifting gear (or both!) contact us today.
FAQs
What are the employers responsibilities for working at height regulations? ›
Employers and those in control of any work at height activity must make sure work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people. This includes using the right type of equipment for working at height. Low-risk, relatively straightforward tasks will require less effort when it comes to planning.
What are an employer's responsibilities for keeping a work site safe when working at heights is necessary? ›A supervisor must: Make sure workers follow applicable legal requirements and the workplace policy and procedures regarding fall protection. Inform workers about fall hazards and how to work safely at heights. Make sure workers use and know how to wear the appropriate fall protection equipment.
What are 3 employer's duties under the regulations? ›They must ensure work colleagues are competent in their roles. They must carry out the relevant risk assessments. Employers should be transparent and inform workers of any work-related risks. They should appoint a 'competent person' to oversee the health and safety.
What is the main regulation for working at height? ›The piece of legislation covering working from height is the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 applies to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall, liable to cause personal injury.
What is the OSHA regulation for working at height? ›OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in longshoring operations.
What are 7 of the employer's responsibilities under OSHA? ›Provide safety training to workers in a language and vocabulary they can understand. Keep accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses. Perform tests in the workplace, such as air sampling, required by some OSHA standards. Provide required personal protective equipment at no cost to workers.
What 5 responsibilities does the employer have to ensure the health and safety of workers? ›- the work environment, systems of work, machinery and equipment are safe and properly maintained.
- information, training, instruction and supervision are provided.
- adequate workplace facilities are available for workers.
- any accommodation you provide to your workers is safe.
While at work a worker must: take reasonable care for their own health and safety. take reasonable care for the health and safety of others. comply with any reasonable instructions, policies and procedure given by their employer, business or controller of the workplace.
What is the employer's responsibility? ›Answer: Employers have the responsibility to provide a safe workplace. Employers MUST provide their employees with a workplace that does not have serious hazards and follow all OSHA safety and health standards. Employers must find and correct safety and health problems.
What are the duties and responsibilities of an employer *? ›Employers must give their employees a place to work and make sure they have access to it. They must give them the tools, equipment and other things they need to do their work. Employers must pay their employees the salary and benefits they agreed to, including vacation, paid holidays and other types of holidays.
What is Regulation 3 of Management of health and safety at Work Regulation? ›
Regulation 3(3) of MHSWR obliges employers to review their risk assessments, making any necessary changes, if and where there is reason to suspect that they are no longer valid, or if there has been a significant change in the matters to which they relate.
What are the 5 areas of employer responsibility? ›- provide a workplace free from recognized hazards and comply with OSHA standards.
- provide training required by OSHA standards.
- keep records of injuries and illnesses.
- provide medical exams when required by OSHA standards and provide workers access to their exposure and medical records.
DO as much work as you can while you are on the ground. DO make sure that the employees can safely move to and from the area where they are working at height. DO ensure that the equipment that you're using for the job is strong, stable and suitable enough to get the job done. Inspect and maintain them regularly.
What are the three key steps identified in the Working at Height Regulations 2005? ›AVOID – PREVENT – MINIMISE.
What is Regulation 8 of the Work at Height Regulations? ›8 The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury.
What are the must do things for contractors and employers for workers that working at height? ›make sure no overloading or overreaching when work at height; take precautions when work takes place near or on fragile surfaces; provide protection from falling objects; consider procedures during emergency evacuation and rescue.
What are the 3 simple rules to follow when working at height? ›- as much work as possible from the ground.
- ensure workers can get safely to and from where they work at height.
- ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job, maintained and checked regularly.
- take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces.
The Working at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) have no minimum height requirement for work at height. They include all work activities where there is a need to control a risk of falling a distance liable to cause personal injury.
What are the 4 types of OSHA compliance? ›OSHA standards fall into four categories: General Industry, Construction, Maritime, and Agriculture.
Which three responsibilities do Employers have for implementing health & safety in the workplace? ›Obligations of the employer
carry out health examination of workers engaged in hazardous activities. report incidents of work injuries and occupational diseases within the firms. investigate incidents of work injuries, occupational diseases and necessary measures to protect other workers.
What are the eight 8 responsibilities you have in regards to the work health and safety policy? ›
safe systems of work ▪ a safe work environment ▪ accommodation for workers, if provided, is appropriate ▪ safe use of plant, structures and substances ▪ facilities for the welfare of workers are adequate ▪ notification and recording of workplace incidents ▪ adequate information, training, instruction and supervision is ...
What are four common law duties that an employer must provide? ›- safe premises and a safe place to work.
- safe plant, materials and equipment.
- a safe system of work and safe working practices.
- competent fellow staff.
Employers have legal responsibilities to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. As an employee you have rights and you have responsibilities for your own wellbeing and that of your colleagues.
What are two of the main responsibilities when working at height? ›You must make sure work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people with the skills, knowledge and experience to do the job. You must use the right type of equipment for working at height. Take a sensible approach when considering precautions.
What are the three key steps identified in the Working at height Regulations 2005? ›AVOID – PREVENT – MINIMISE.
When planning any work at height What should an employers first consideration be? ›Always consider measures that protect everyone who is at risk (collective protection) first such as permanent guard rails, scaffolding or Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) before measures that protect only the individual (personal protection) are used, which may include a harness, restraint or fall arrest system.
What is Schedule 7 of the Work at Height Regulations? ›(7) An employer shall ensure that no work equipment under his or her control is used in another place of work, unless it is accompanied by evidence that the last inspection required to be carried out under this Regulation has been carried out.
What is Regulation 6 of Work at Height Regulations 2005? ›6 'Work' includes moving around at a place of work (except by a staircase in a permanent workplace) but not travel to or from a place of work. For instance, a sales assistant on a stepladder would be working at height, but we would not be inclined to apply the Regulations to a mounted police officer on patrol.