Safety systems for working at heights
[edit] Introduction
While everyone understands the dangers of working at height, not everybody is familiar with the different types of solutions that are available. This brief overview provides a simple synopsis of each type.
[edit] Fall prevention
There are two general types of protection: collective and personal.
Collective systems can be temporary (scaffolding, cranes, working platforms, safety netting, safety mats and so on), or permanent (guardrails, walls, parapets, glass barriers, trolleys and so on) and protect numerous people. Permanent collective restraints may be installed around the perimeter a structure to block access to hazardous areas. They are passive and do not require additional action or equipment.
For more information see: Collective restraint systems.
Personal safety lifelines are customised for a single worker and are active. This means workers need to take action by wearing the equipment in order to be safe. These personal lifelines include fall arrest systems (to minimise injury during a fall) and fall restraint systems (to prevent a fall from happening in the first place) and can be either temporary or permanent.
For more information see: Fall arrest systems and Fall prevention systems.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approved Document K.
- BS 7883.
- BS 7883 guide released.
- Collective restraint systems.
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.
- Fall arrest systems.
- Fall prevention systems.
- FASET.
- Injuries on construction sites.
- Personal fall protection system.
- Roped access for conservation projects.
- Safety in high places.
- Site safety.
- Work at height checklist for managers.
- Work at height regulations.
- Work at height.
- Working at height - our duty to prevent harm and protect each other.
- Working at height training.
Featured articles and news
A now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.