Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in the UK.

Despite ongoing awareness campaigns and legal requirements, incidents continue to happen often because of small but avoidable oversights. Whether it’s a quick job on a ladder or regular access to roofs or platforms, every employer has a legal and moral duty to protect workers operating at height.

In this article, we’ll explore practical ways to strengthen your work at height safety, reduce risks, and create a safer, more compliant workplace, with expert insight from the team at PHSC.

Work at height doesn’t just mean scaffolding or construction work. It includes any situation where someone could fall and injure themselves, from using step ladders in a warehouse to maintaining lighting in an office or school.

The latest HSE statistics show that  falls from height remain one of the most common causes of fatal workplace accidents. Many of these incidents occur because of poor planning, a lack of training, or equipment that hasn’t been properly inspected.

TIP: Review all activities across your organisation that involve working at height, even those that seem low risk, and make sure a formal risk assessment has been carried out.

1. Plan Every Task Carefully
   Never rush a job. Assess the task in advance, think about weather conditions, surface stability, and emergency arrangements. A few minutes of preparation can prevent a serious accident.
   
   
2. Use the Right Equipment
   Make sure all ladders, scaffolds, and platforms meet UK safety standards. Regularly inspect them and remove any equipment that’s damaged or unstable.
   
   
3. Provide Proper Training
   Workers must know how to set up and use equipment safely, recognise hazards, and report issues. Training should be refreshed regularly, especially when new staff or contractors join.
   
   
4. Supervise and Monitor
   Assign a competent person to oversee any work at height. Their role is to ensure safety procedures are followed correctly and to step in immediately if unsafe practices are spotted.
   
   
5. Review and Improve
   After each task or project, review what went well and where improvements can be made. Keep clear records of inspections, maintenance, and training to show compliance with HSE guidance.

Even well-intentioned employers can get caught out. Some of the most frequent issues we see include:

• “Quick fixes” using ladders instead of proper access equipment
• Risk assessments that are outdated or incomplete
• Relying on informal training rather than structured courses
• Limited supervision or poor documentation

Remember: It only takes one moment of complacency for a serious incident to occur.

While the basics of work at height safety may seem straightforward, ensuring your procedures meet the latest standards can be challenging, particularly if you manage multiple sites or contractors.

PHSC offers:

• Working at Height Awareness Training, tailored to your organisation’s needs
• Ladder Safety and Inspection Courses, helping teams stay safe and compliant
• Bespoke Risk Assessment Support, ensuring your documentation and practices meet legal requirements

Our consultants bring decades of hands-on experience, helping organisations of all sizes stay compliant, confident, and safe.

Falls from height are preventable. With the right planning, training, and supervision, you can protect your team and your organisation from avoidable harm.

If you’re unsure where your business currently stands, now is the perfect time to act.

Contact PHSC today on 01622 717700 or training@phsc.co.uk to discuss tailored training or support for your workplace.