Working at height remains one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in the UK. Whether it’s accessing rooftops, maintaining building façades, or installing equipment, the risks are significant – and so are the legal responsibilities. Despite this, many duty holders still underestimate what’s required to remain compliant and keep people safe.
Specialist firms like Altus Safety support organisations across sectors in navigating these regulations, but ultimate responsibility always lies with those controlling the work. If you’re an employer, contractor, facilities manager, or building owner, it’s essential to understand what the law expects of you.
The Legal Framework: Work at Height Regulations 2005
The main legislation covering work at height is the Work at Height Regulations 2005. These apply to all work carried out at height in the UK, whether in construction, facilities management, or general maintenance. The law requires that duty holders:
- Avoid working at height wherever possible
- Use appropriate equipment and systems to prevent falls where work at height is necessary
- Minimise the consequences of a fall, should one occur
Failure to comply can result in fines, prohibition notices, or, in the event of serious injury, criminal prosecution.
Who Is Legally Responsible?
While the person physically carrying out the task is often the most at risk, responsibility for safe working at height rests with:
- Employers organising the work
- Building owners and managing agents, especially when contracting external workers
- Contractors or subcontractors overseeing construction or maintenance
- Facilities managers arranging inspections or repairs
This responsibility includes ensuring that anyone working at height is competent, trained, and has access to the right equipment and systems.
Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings
One of the most common misconceptions is that hiring a contractor absolves you of liability. In reality, if you are instructing work, you must ensure that the environment is safe and that the workers are using appropriate safety systems. Another mistake is assuming that short-duration tasks don’t require the same level of protection – they do. The law doesn’t make exceptions based on how long the job will take.
Key Duties Under the Law
1. Risk Assessment
Before any work at height begins, a full risk assessment must be conducted. This should identify all hazards, assess the level of risk, and establish control measures. The assessment must also be documented and reviewed regularly.
2. Avoidance Where Possible
The first question to ask is whether the task really requires working at height. Alternatives, such as using extendable tools or conducting remote inspections, should be considered first.
3. Use the Right Equipment
If working at height cannot be avoided, suitable equipment must be provided and maintained. This may include:
- Guardrails or fixed edge protection
- Safety lines and anchor points
- Mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs)
- Personal fall arrest or restraint systems
The choice of system depends on the building type, task, and level of risk.
4. Training and Supervision
All personnel working at height must be adequately trained. This includes training on equipment use, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures. Supervision is also crucial to ensure that safety protocols are followed consistently.
5. Inspection and Maintenance
All fall protection systems and height safety equipment must be inspected at least annually – more frequently in some cases. Inspections should be carried out by a competent person, and full records must be kept as proof of compliance.
Turning Compliance Into Practical Action
Understanding the law is only the first step – implementing it effectively on the ground is where many organisations struggle. Compliance shouldn’t be seen as a one-off project but as part of a continuous safety culture.
Start by reviewing your current systems. Are fall protection measures in place and suitable for the specific risks on your site? Is there a clear procedure for authorising and managing work at height, including permit-to-work systems if needed? Are your records up to date for inspections, training, and maintenance?
Engage your teams early. Workers are more likely to follow safety protocols if they’re involved in the process. Toolbox talks, regular briefings, and visual reminders all help reinforce the importance of working safely at height.
Finally, don’t rely on assumptions. Just because something has “always been done this way” doesn’t mean it’s compliant. Buildings evolve, systems degrade, and regulations shift. Regular reviews – ideally with input from a competent external advisor – are essential to ensure that your fall protection approach remains legally compliant and operationally effective.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to meet your legal duties can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Fines and legal action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Insurance implications
- Reputational damage
- Most importantly, injury or loss of life
Beyond compliance, good height safety practices foster a culture of responsibility and care – something that benefits workers and organisations alike.
Final Thoughts
Working at height is inherently risky, but that risk can be managed with the right systems, training, and oversight. The law is clear about what is required, and it places responsibility squarely on those who organise, instruct, or control the work.
Taking height safety seriously isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s a legal and moral obligation. By understanding your duties and acting on them, you not only protect your workforce but also safeguard your business from avoidable harm.
