The Work at Height Regulation 2005 is a crucial UK law introduced to prevent workplace accidents and injuries associated with working at heights. Introduced in 2005, this legislation was developed because working at height is one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and serious injuries.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the regulations involve, why they were introduced, and answer common questions related to working safely at height. Be sure to download the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Working at height means any task where a person could fall and injure themselves if precautions aren’t taken. This includes:
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all tasks where there is a risk of falling from height. They require employers and employees to take necessary steps to prevent falls and ensure safety. The focus is on proper planning, supervision, and using the correct equipment.
The regulations were introduced to reduce fatalities and serious injuries caused by falls. Many incidents before 2005 could have been prevented with proper safety measures. The aim is to create safer workplaces and raise awareness about the risks of working at height.
Employers must carefully plan all work at height in advance. They must conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement safety controls.
Before starting any work at height, employers should carry out a thorough risk assessment. This includes evaluating:
Employers must choose and provide appropriate equipment for the task. This includes:
The right equipment greatly reduces the risk of accidents.
Employers must provide proper training and verify that workers are competent in using equipment and working safely at height. This ensures they can identify risks and take the right precautions.
Supervision is vital, especially for inexperienced workers. Site managers are responsible for ensuring that employees are trained, experienced, and competent to carry out tasks at height safely.
Employers must establish clear emergency procedures for incidents that may occur while working at height.
Get the skills necessary to work safely at height!.
The Work at Height Regulations target a range of workplace incidents, including:
The most common type of accident. Falls can happen from ladders, roofs, or scaffolds. Although ladder usage has declined in favour of safer alternatives, ladders can still be safe and convenient for short-term tasks if stabilised and used properly.
Tools or materials falling from above can injure people below. Securing equipment is essential to avoid these incidents.
Slipping or tripping on ladders or scaffolding can result in serious injuries. Regulations stress the importance of stable and clutter-free surfaces.
Using unsuitable or defective equipment (e.g. faulty PPE or poorly erected scaffolds) is a serious safety risk.
Poor construction or overloading can cause platforms to collapse. This includes scaffolding and temporary structures.
Missing guardrails, harnesses, or other fall protection systems can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Faulty safety gear or lifting equipment can cause accidents, especially if they fail when workers are elevated.
Sometimes, workers must be rescued due to accidents at height. These scenarios introduce additional risks if not properly managed.
Yes, and the consequences can be serious. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers and duty holders must properly plan, supervise, and carry out any working at height activity safely. If they fail to do so, they can face prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974.
These laws apply to any task where someone could fall and suffer injury, whether that’s on a construction site, farm, warehouse, office building, or during roof work.
Breaching UK health and safety regulations for working at height can lead to:
Failure to comply is a criminal offence. Cases are typically brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
There is no upper limit on fines for businesses. Courts assess penalties based on turnover, risk, and harm caused.
Company directors, managers, and individuals can face up to 2 years in prison if the offence was due to their consent, neglect, or involvement.
The HSE can issue:
Prohibition Notices – stopping unsafe work immediately
Improvement Notices – requiring corrective action within a set timeframe
If inspectors identify a material breach, businesses must pay the HSE’s investigation costs.
Injured employees may also bring a work at height accident claim, leading to further financial and reputational damage.
Under UK health and safety law, prosecution is not limited to companies. It can apply to:
Employers who fail to protect workers
Self-employed contractors who do not manage working at height risks
Directors and managers where personal negligence is proven
Employees who deliberately ignore safety procedures
Yes. When working on or near fragile surfaces, use staging, guardrails, fall restraint or arrest systems, and safety nets. Clearly mark fragile areas and ensure all operatives are trained and informed.
The 2 metre rule is a safety guideline suggesting that fall protection (like harnesses or guardrails) should be used when working at or above 2 metres. This promotes awareness and encourages safer practices.
The safe height for ladder work depends on the ladder type and site conditions. Typically:
While there’s no legal requirement for formal ladder training, it’s strongly recommended. Training helps users understand:
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 play a vital role in protecting workers from falls and related injuries. By following these rules, employers and employees can significantly reduce risks and promote a safer working environment.
Whether you’re an employer, site manager, or worker, understanding and complying with these regulations is essential. Leading Edge offers a variety of height safety courses to help you meet safety standards and stay compliant.
Stay informed, stay safe, and always plan ahead when working at height.
Leading Edge is a UK based height safety training provider and PPE manufacturer. From small teams to multinational blue-chips, we empower people to work safely at height across a wide range of industries. Copyright 2025 Leading Edge Safety. Devloped by Czargroup Technologies
