Working at Height Policy Writers

What are Work at Height Policies?

Working at height policies set out how organisations manage the risks associated with tasks carried out above ground level, ensuring the safety of employees, contractors and others who may be affected.

Falls from height are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in the UK. A clear policy ensures that such tasks are properly planned, risk assessed and carried out by competent people using the right equipment.

What Do Working at Height Policies Cover?

A working at height policy typically includes:

• Risk assessments before any work at height is undertaken

• Planning and supervision requirements for high-risk tasks

• Competence, training and authorisation of employees involved

• Selection and safe use of equipment, such as ladders, scaffolding, harnesses and platforms

• Inspection and maintenance of fall protection equipment

• Procedures for preventing falling objects and protecting people below

• Emergency procedures and rescue planning

• Safe systems of work for short-duration or routine tasks

• Links to health and safety, risk management and PPE policies

A clear policy helps ensure that working at height is only carried out when necessary, and that when it is unavoidable, the safest methods and equipment are used.

It also ensures compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which set out the duties of employers and employees to prevent falls and minimise risk.

By establishing strict controls and promoting safe practices, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, protect employee health and

Legal Basis

The framework is the Work at Height Regulations 2005, supported by HSE's INDG401 guidance. The hierarchy is to avoid working at height where possible, then prevent falls, then minimise the consequences.

Working at height includes any work where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.

Common Compliance Pitfalls

• Stepladders treated as outside scope; the Regulations apply to all height work.
• Edge protection assessed only at construction sites, not at office roof access for maintenance.
• Fall arrest equipment in use with no rescue plan.
• Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) operated without IPAF or equivalent operator training.
• Inspection records for ladders, scaffold and harnesses missing or expired.

What Policy Pros Delivers

Our Working at Height Policy package includes the main policy, a hierarchy-of-controls assessment template, a permit-to-work for non-routine height tasks, a rescue plan template, equipment inspection schedules, and operator competence records.