Working at height is one of the most dangerous activities in the workplace. Whether it’s installing signage, cleaning windows, or carrying out roof repairs, the risks are high, and so are the consequences when something goes wrong.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height are the single biggest cause of fatal injuries at work in the UK. In 2021–2022 alone, they accounted for nearly a third of all work-related deaths in Great Britain. With such serious risks, it’s no surprise that UK legislation takes working at height very seriously

That makes understanding your legal responsibilities essential if you manage, supervise, or carry out any work where a fall could happen.

What Is Considered “Working at Height”?

The law defines “working at height” as any situation where a person could fall and suffer injury. 

Working at Height is anything above or below ground level. It covers any situation where someone could fall and injure themselves. That includes working:

• • Above ground or floor level

• • Next to open edges or holes

• • On fragile surfaces (like old roof panels or glass)

• • Near excavation pits or openings

If a fall is possible and injury could result, it counts. This applies even if the height is only a few feet.

Legal Framework

The UK has a clear legal structure in place to manage the risks of working at height. The key regulations include:

Work at Height Regulations 2005

This is the primary regulation covering all work at height in the UK. It applies to all employers, self-employed individuals, and any person who controls work at height, including facilities managers and contractors. The regulations require that work at height is:

• • Avoided where possible.

• • Properly planned and supervised when unavoidable.

• • Carried out by competent individuals.

• • Supported by appropriate equipment that is correctly maintained and inspected.

The law also mandates that all risks must be assessed and that those carrying out the work receive adequate training.

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

This wider piece of legislation places a duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of their employees and others affected by their work. If you’re managing people who are working at height, this includes ensuring that risks are properly assessed and controlled.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

This regulation requires a risk assessment for all work activities. Where working at height is involved, the risks must be assessed, and suitable control measures must be put in place before work starts.

Personal Protective Equipment Regulations

The original 1992 regulations were updated in 2022 to reinforce the duty of employers to provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) to all workers, including those classed as “limb (b)” workers such as agency staff. PPE must be provided free of charge, be fit for purpose, and used correctly.

Responsibilities for Employers and Duty Holders

If you control or manage work at height, you are legally required to ensure:

• • Work is properly planned and supervised

• • Suitable equipment is used for the task

• • All workers are competent or appropriately supervised

• • Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained

• • There is a rescue plan in place for emergencies

Planning isn’t just about the job itself. You also need to consider external factors such as weather conditions, surface stability, and risks to people nearby (like falling tools or materials).

Ladders, for instance, should only be used for short, low-risk tasks. For anything more complex or prolonged, scaffolds, towers, or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) are more appropriate.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees also have legal duties. They must take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This means using safety equipment correctly, following procedures and training, and reporting any concerns about equipment or working conditions and avoiding unnecessary risks.

A common cause of accidents is deviation from the method of work agreed during the risk assessment phase. In work like this, consistency is key and so is communication.

Equipment and Training

Not all access methods are equal. The law prioritises using collective protection (like properly designed scaffolding or mobile elevated work platforms) over individual protection (like harnesses). Ladders should only be used for short-duration, low-risk tasks and must be secured and regularly inspected. You can also read our fall protection system guide to understand more about how you can prevent falls.

Training is another legal requirement. Workers must either be competent to carry out their tasks or be supervised by someone who is. Industry-recognised certifications such as PASMA for mobile access towers or IPAF for MEWPs are often necessary, depending on the job.

Inspections and Record Keeping

The Work at Height Regulations require regular inspections of equipment. Scaffolding, for example, must be checked before use and every seven days thereafter, or following any event likely to affect its stability. 

Employers must also keep records of inspections, training, risk assessments, and incidents. These records may be needed for internal audits or if the HSE requests them following a complaint or accident.

Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance

Breaching your duties under the Work at Height Regulations can lead to criminal prosecution, fines, or even imprisonment. In recent years, courts have issued six-figure penalties for failures in planning or supervision, even where no injury occurred.

Beyond enforcement, the cost of a fall from height includes downtime, insurance claims, reputational damage, and civil liability.

If someone is injured because of poor planning or a lack of proper equipment, the fallout is not just legal, it’s personal.

Are the Laws Changing After Brexit?

Despite initial concerns that safety regulations might be rolled back following Brexit, the Work at Height Regulations remain in place. They were retained in UK law and, as of 2025, there are no confirmed plans to repeal or replace them. Businesses should continue to comply with existing rules unless and until changes are formally introduced.

Conclusion

Working at height will always involve some level of risk, but compliance with UK law can drastically reduce the likelihood of accidents and save lives. For employers and site managers, understanding the regulations is not just a legal obligation but a fundamental part of running a safe and responsible business.

By planning properly, providing the right equipment, ensuring worker competence, and maintaining strong oversight, organisations can ensure that working at height is carried out safely and legally.

If you’re planning work at height and need help developing a safe system of work, carrying out risk assessments, or ensuring you have a competent standby rescue team in place, we can help. 

Whether you’re managing a one-off project or looking to improve your ongoing procedures, our team offers practical guidance and on-site support tailored to your working at height services needs. Get in touch to discuss how we can support your safety planning and ensure your team stays protected at every level.

To strengthen your safety programme, explore our related resources:

• • For detailed guidance on confined spaces and managing associated hazards, see our blog “What is a Confined Space? Hazards, Examples & Safety Protocols” and the “Confined Space Entry Safety Checklist”.

If you need different rescue services for your company, check out our rescue services page and see how we can help you further.