Top 10 Safety Practices for Working at Heights

Working at height remains one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) emphasises that employers and workers must prioritise planning, training, and risk management to minimise hazards.

Below, we outline 10 essential safety practices for working at heights, drawing from HSE guidance and practical measures to keep your workforce safe.

1. Ensure Proper Training

Training is the cornerstone of working safely at height. Workers must understand the risks and know how to use equipment safely. Courses such as Working at Height, Ladders and Steps Training, or MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) Training available on the ESS Training Hub provide essential skills and certifications to comply with legal requirements.

2. Conduct Thorough Risk Assessments

Every job involving working at height must start with a detailed risk assessment. This should identify potential hazards, evaluate risks, and recommend control measures. The HSE requires employers to eliminate risks where possible, or otherwise reduce them to the lowest practicable level.

3. Select Suitable Equipment for the Task

The right equipment can make a significant difference in safety. Depending on the task, this might include scaffolding, MEWPs, or fall arrest systems. For example, MEWP Training ensures workers know how to operate platforms safely and effectively. Ensure all equipment is regularly inspected and maintained.

4. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Workers should always use PPE when required. This includes harnesses, helmets, and non-slip footwear. Workers should receive proper training, such as Harness Training, to understand the correct way to wear, adjust, and inspect their PPE.

5. Follow the Working at Height Hierarchy of Control

The HSE sets out a hierarchy of control for working at height:

• Avoid working at height where possible.
• Use equipment or work platforms to prevent falls.
• Use measures to minimise consequences if a fall occurs (e.g., safety nets or fall arrest systems).

Ensure that every team member understands and follows this hierarchy during tasks.

6. Regularly Inspect and Maintain Equipment

All equipment used for working at height must be regularly inspected in line with manufacturers’ instructions and HSE guidelines. Faulty equipment is one of the primary causes of accidents and must be removed from use immediately.

7. Plan for Emergencies and Rescues

Even with robust safety measures, emergencies can happen. Employers must create and communicate an emergency rescue plan specific to each site and task. Courses such as First Aid at Work Training can provide workers with essential skills to respond quickly in case of an incident.

8. Limit Access to Trained Personnel Only

Only trained and competent personnel should perform tasks at height. Prevent unauthorised or untrained individuals from accessing high-risk areas. By ensuring all workers have completed relevant courses, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

9. Monitor Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can greatly impact safety when working at height. Rain, wind, and ice create additional risks, making surfaces slippery or affecting the stability of equipment. Always monitor weather forecasts and delay work if conditions are unsafe.

10. Encourage a Culture of Safety

Promote a safety-first culture in the workplace where workers feel empowered to report hazards, near-misses, or unsafe practices. Regular safety briefings and toolbox talks are an excellent way to reinforce the importance of safety and keep working at height practices top of mind.

Training and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand

The HSE Work at Height Regulations emphasise that employers have a legal duty to ensure anyone working at height is competent to do so. This competency comes from training, experience, and the right attitude toward safety. At ESS Training Hub, we make it easy to find and book training courses that meet HSE standards.

Find the Right Training for Working at Height

Browse our comprehensive range of height safety courses on the ESS Training Hub, including:

• Working at Height Training
• Harness Training
• Ladders and Steps Training
• MEWP Training

Our platform connects you with trusted training providers, ensuring your workforce is skilled, certified, and safe.

By adhering to these safety practices and investing in professional training, you can create a safer workplace and reduce the risks associated with working at height. Start your journey toward safety excellence today, because when it comes to protecting lives, there’s no room for compromise.