Ensure you are working safely at height

Falls when working at height remain the most common kind of workplace fatality

HSE's annual fatality statistics reported that there were 50 fatal injuries caused by falling from height in 2023/24.

Key messages

Employers and those in control of work at height must first assess the risks.

Before working at height you must follow these simple steps:

avoid work at height where it is reasonably practicable to do so
where work at height cannot be easily avoided, prevent falls using either an existing place of work that is already safe or the right type of equipment
minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, by using the right type of equipment where the risk cannot be eliminated.

You should:

do 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
not overload or overreach when working at height
take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces
provide protection from falling objects
consider emergency evacuation and rescue procedures.