Working at height: plan the access and the protection together

What counts as work at height?

Work at height involves a place where a person could fall a distance liable to cause injury if precautions were absent. This can include low platforms and falls into openings or excavations. There is no general two-metre exemption.

This guide explains the Great Britain approach. Begin with the actual work position, access route and surrounding hazards. A photograph of the finished scaffold is not enough to explain how workers safely erect it, load it or move between levels.

Use the hierarchy: avoid, prevent, then minimise

First consider whether the work can be done from the ground. If it cannot, prevent falls using a safe workplace or suitable equipment. Where a fall risk remains, minimise its distance and consequences. Give collective protection priority over personal protection.

The decision should be visible in the planning conversation. Ask whether a component could be assembled before lifting, whether permanent edge protection can be installed earlier and whether a guarded work platform can reach the task without creating new risks below.

Choose equipment for the task and conditions

Ladders and stepladders are not banned. HSE recognises their use for suitable low-risk, short-duration tasks where assessment supports it. They should not become the default simply because they are already in the van.

• Task: consider duration, reach, required force, tools and materials.
• Location: check ground conditions, space, traffic, overhead services and weather exposure.
• Access: explain getting on and off, moving materials and maintaining protection.
• Interfaces: plan exclusion areas and protect people below from falling objects.
• People: establish competence, supervision and any task-specific familiarisation.
• Checks: identify the required inspections, pre-use checks and defect reporting route.

For example, a ceiling installation may involve repeated work across a large area and both hands handling components. Record those demands before comparing a stepladder, tower or suitable powered access. The choice should follow the assessment and site conditions.

What to review before work starts

1. Confirm that the design and sequence have reduced the need to work at height where possible.
2. Check that equipment and protection match the assessed task.
3. Verify any fragile surfaces, openings, edges and access restrictions.
4. Confirm inspections and permission to use the equipment where required.
5. Brief the work sequence and how changes or defects are escalated.
6. Check the emergency and rescue arrangements are achievable with available people and equipment.

Do not rely only on calling the emergency services as the rescue plan. Review the method if conditions change, for example when another trade removes protection, ground conditions deteriorate or materials block the access route.

Use this alongside the RAMS review checklist. Our RAMS support can help clarify a documented method; specialist access design and competent on-site decisions may also be needed.

Official sources

• HSE: introduction to work at height
• HSE: avoid, prevent and minimise
• HSE: work-at-height questions, including rescue

General guidance only. Check the current official sources and your project conditions. Unless stated otherwise, legislation discussed is for Great Britain; Northern Ireland has separate rules. Remote advice supports, but does not replace, competent site management or specialist assessment.