Stress Awareness Month 2025: Addressing the Stress of Working at Height

As we observe Stress Awareness Month 2025, it’s important to acknowledge the impact of working at heights on workers’ mental well-being and to seek ways to foster a safer, less stressful work atmosphere.

Working at height is one of the most challenging and high-risk tasks in the construction and industrial sectors. Whether on scaffolding, ladders, rooftops, or elevated platforms, employees face both physical dangers and mental stress. The fear of falling, strict deadlines, unpredictable weather, and physically demanding work all contribute to heightened stress levels, which can impact safety, focus, and overall well-being.

By adopting appropriate safety protocols, providing the right equipment, and offering mental health resources, we can help employees feel more secure and assured while performing their tasks at height.

Why Does Working at Height Contribute to Stress?

There are many factors that contribute to the stress of working at height, impacting both physical and mental well-being. If not addressed effectively, this stress can increase the chances of accidents occurring. Here’s why:

Fear and anxiety about falls and dropped tools

Falling from height remains one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities. Employees who lack the correct fall protection equipment or height safety training may feel unsafe, which increases their anxiety and stress on the job. The fear of accidentally dropping tools can also contribute to stress in the workplace, as employees become concerned about the possible outcomes.

High concentration and fatigue

Working at height requires constant focus to prevent accidents, which can be mentally exhausting. Physical fatigue from climbing ladders, balancing on scaffolding, or working close to the edge can also add to stress levels.

Pressure to meet deadlines

Many height-related jobs must be completed within strict timeframes, increasing workplace pressure. Workers may feel rushed, leading to riskier behaviours and a higher chance of mistakes.

Adverse weather conditions

Wind, rain, extreme heat, or cold can make working at heights more dangerous and uncomfortable. Unpredictable conditions increase stress levels, as workers must stay extra vigilant.

Poor safety measures and equipment

Inadequate fall protection equipment, faulty scaffolding, or unclear safety procedures can create an unsafe work environment. A lack of clear safety signage on site can also cause confusion and increase workplace anxiety.

How to reduce stress for workers at height

Employers have a responsibility to prioritise both physical safety and mental well-being when managing work at height. Here are some key ways to reduce stress and improve safety:

Provide high-quality height safety equipment

Ensuring workers have the right PPE and safety gear can significantly reduce stress and improve confidence when working at height. Essential height safety equipment includes:

• Harnesses and lanyards to prevent falls
• Tool tethers to prevent dropped tools
• Guardrails and safety nets for extra protection
• Slip-resistant footwear and adequate PPE for protection
• Clear safety signage to remind workers of potential hazards

When workers trust their safety gear, they feel more secure, reducing stress levels and improving focus.

Offer comprehensive height safety training

Knowledge is power, and proper training helps workers feel more confident and in control. Employers should:

• Conduct regular height safety training sessions
• Teach employees how to inspect and use PPE correctly
• Provide emergency rescue response training for fall-related incidents

Workers who feel well-prepared and knowledgeable about safety procedures are less likely to experience anxiety while on the job.

Supply tool tethers to reduce stress and improve safety

Using tool tethering systems significantly reduces the risk of dropped tools, giving workers peace of mind while working at height. Employers should make sure that every employee has access to:

• Tool lanyards and tethers – These attach tools to the worker’s belt or wrist, helping to avoid accidental drops.
• Retractable tool lanyards – These enable safe storage and retrieval of tools without hindering movement.
• Anchor points for tools – These serve as secure attachment points for heavier equipment.
• Tool storage holsters – These keep tools within reach while preventing them from slipping or falling.

By adopting tool tethering policies and providing training, workers can concentrate on their job with greater ease, confident that their tools are secure and that those below them are safe.

Plan and manage workloads to avoid fatigue

Fatigue is a significant contributor to stress and workplace accidents. Employers should:

• Implement rotating shifts to prevent overworking employees
• Schedule regular breaks to reduce mental and physical strain
• Encourage workers to speak up if they are feeling overwhelmed

A well-rested worker is more alert, focused, and less prone to stress-related errors.

Improve communication and mental health support

Creating an open environment where workers feel comfortable discussing stress and safety concerns is essential. Employers can:

• Encourage team check-ins before and after work shifts
• Appoint mental health first aiders on-site
• Provide access to mental health support services

When workers feel supported, they are more likely to speak up about stress before it leads to burnout or accidents.

Monitor weather conditions and plan accordingly

Weather conditions can greatly impact stress levels for workers at height, employers should:

• Use weather monitoring systems to schedule work at safer times
• Provide appropriate PPE for extreme weather conditions
• Allow work to be postponed when conditions become too hazardous

Being proactive about weather-related risks reduces uncertainty and gives workers peace of mind.

Why Stress Awareness Month is important for height safety

Stress Awareness Month 2025 is the perfect time to highlight the connection between mental well-being and workplace safety. When workers are stressed, they are more likely to lose focus and make mistakes, take shortcuts that compromise safety and experience fatigue that reduces alertness

By addressing workplace stress, employers can reduce accidents, improve productivity, and create a more positive work culture.

At Leading Edge, we are committed to improving height safety practices and worker well-being. That’s why we supply industry-leading height safety equipment and provide world-class height safety training courses to help businesses create a safer, less stressful work environment.

Don’t let workplace stress put your employees at risk – take proactive steps to ensure they feel safe, supported, and stress-free while working at height.