Work at height regulations
The Work at Height Regulations (2005) came into force on 6 April 2005. They are intended to prevent deaths and injuries caused by falls at work. In 2005/06 falls from height caused 46 fatalities at work and 3350 major injuries. In 2023/2024 Provisional RIDDOR statistics for 2023 / 2024 showed that the total number of 138 workers were killed in work-related accidents, 51% of these were attributed to the construction sector, and of that total exactly 50% of these fatal accidents were recorded as a fall from height.
The regulations apply to all work at any height (even if it is at or below ground level) where there is risk of a fall that may cause injury. The regulations impose duties on:
Duty holders must adopt the following hierarchy:
- Where possible, avoiding work at height.
- Where work at height cannot be avoided, take measures to prevent falls.
- Where risk cannot be eliminated, take measures to minimise the distance and consequences of falls.
Where work at height is necessary, duty holders are required to ensure that:
- Risks are assessed and managed (including the risks of working on or near fragile surfaces and risks from falling objects).
- People involved in work at height are competent, trained, or supervised if they are being trained.
- Work at height is properly planned and organised (including planning for emergencies and for rescue).
- Account has been taken of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety (work should be postponed if weather conditions endanger health or safety).
- Appropriate equipment is used, inspected and properly maintained (giving use of collective protection measures priority over personal protection measures).
People working under the control of others must:
Schedules are provided at the end of the regulations, setting out requirements for specific circumstances:
- Schedule 1: Existing places of work and means of access or egress at height.
- Schedule 2: Guard-rails, toe boards, barriers and similar collective means of protection.
- Schedule 3: Working platforms.
- Schedule 4: Collective safeguards for arresting falls.
- Schedule 5: Personal protection systems.
- Schedule 6: Ladders.
- Schedule 7: Particulars to be included in a report of inspection
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- BS 7883.
- BS 7883 guide released.
- CDM.
- Collective restraint systems.
- CONIAC produces essential messages on safe work at height.
- Crane regulations.
- Dynamic self-retracting lanyard.
- Fall arrest system.
- Fall prevention systems.
- FASET.
- Glazier.
- Health and Safety.
- Hoists.
- How to use a ladder.
- Injuries on construction sites.
- Ladder.
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).
- Near miss.
- Roped access for conservation projects.
- Safety briefing.
- Safety in high places.
- Safety systems for working at heights.
- Scaffold register.
- Scaffolding.
- Toolbox talk.
- Types of crane.
- Urban exploration UE.
- Work at height.
- Work at height checklist for managers.
- Work at height rescue plan.
- Working at height - our duty to prevent harm and protect each other.
- Working at height training.
- Working platform.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.