Falls from height remain the single biggest cause of workplace deaths in the UK. In the year 2023/24, falls from height accounted for 50 fatal injuries — more than any other cause. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 set out clear duties for employers, and proper training is essential.

What Counts as Working at Height?

Working at height means any work where a person could fall a distance that could cause injury. This includes:

• Working on ladders, stepladders, or scaffolding
• Working on roofs, mezzanines, or raised platforms
• Working near open edges, fragile surfaces, or voids
• Using mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs/cherry pickers)
• Even working at ground level near an excavation or opening

There is no minimum height — even a fall from standing height can cause serious injury.

Employer Duties Under the Regulations

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to:

1. Avoid working at height wherever possible
2. Prevent falls by using the right equipment and controls where working at height cannot be avoided
3. Minimise the distance and consequences of any fall

Employers must also ensure that anyone working at height is competent (or supervised by a competent person), that equipment is inspected and maintained, and that a risk assessment has been carried out.

Ladder Safety

Ladders are the most common equipment involved in falls from height. The HSE says ladders should only be used for short-duration work (up to 30 minutes) where the risk is low. Key rules:

• Always maintain three points of contact
• Set ladders on a firm, level surface
• Extend ladders at least 1 metre above the landing point
• Never overreach — move the ladder instead
• Inspect ladders before each use

Who Needs Working at Height Training?

Anyone who works at height or supervises people working at height should receive training. This includes construction workers, maintenance staff, warehouse operatives, roofers, window cleaners, facilities managers, and anyone who uses ladders as part of their job.

Training in Cumbria

We deliver working at height training at our Penrith centre and on-site across Cumbria. Our health and safety courses cover the legal framework, risk assessment, equipment selection, and practical ladder/scaffold safety.

Contact us to book working at height training for your team.