Working at Heights Regulations
Work at height means working where a person could fall and injure themselves. This includes:
- Roof work
- Ladder work
- Scaffolding
- Elevated platforms
- Work near holes or edges
Legal Requirements
- Risk assessment before any height work
- Fall prevention systems required over 2m
- Training for workers at heights
- Safe Work Method Statements for high-risk work
Fall Prevention Methods
- Eliminate: Can work be done from ground?
- Passive systems: Guardrails, barriers
- Work positioning: Travel restraint systems
- Fall arrest: Harnesses (last resort)
Roof Work Specifics
- Edge protection required
- Anchor points for harness systems
- Fragile roof identification and barriers
- Safe access (ladders, scaffolding)
What to Check
When hiring for height work:
- Ask about safety systems they'll use
- Confirm workers are trained
- Check insurance covers height work
- Review their SWMS