7/27/2019 The Work at Height Regulations 2005 an Overview

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opyright 2012 Agora Business Publications L LP. This material may only be used in the furtherance of the subscriber's business and may not be sold, hired, copied or used for any other commercial purpose etc. without the

written consent of Agora Business Publications LLP. Every effort has been made by Agora Business Publications LLP to ensure that the information given is accurate and not misleading, but Agora Business Publications LLP

not accept responsibility for any loss or liability perceived to have arisen from the use of any such information.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 An Overview

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 applies to all work at height where there is a risk of a fallliable to cause personal injury. It applies to any work that involves people being in a positionfrom which they could fall and injure themselves and this may include access and egress toplaces of work. Work at height may be 1-off or incidental to the main job and the risks maynot be recognised.

A place is at height if a person could be injured falling from it, this can also include at orbelow ground level. The 2m rule banded around is a myth; there is nothing in the regulationsrelating to a specific height.

According to enforcement authorities statistics, falls from height are the biggest cause ofworkplace deaths and one of the main causes of major injury. Falls from ladders andstepladders amount to about a quarter of all injuries.

To comply with the Work at Height Regulations there is a duty upon employers, the self-

employed and any person who controls the work of others such as facilities managers orbuilding owners to do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent anyone falling.

While the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires employers tomake a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of theiremployees while at work. Where these assessments identify the possibility of risks fromworking at height, the requirements of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 should befollowed:

Avoid work at height where possible; use different equipment or methods of work. Plan properly to identify work at height activities. Many falls result from the failure to

organise and plan work properly. The place of work should be safe taking into accountthe task, equipment and environment.

Select the right equipment and other measures which prevent falls. Select the typeofequipment that is suitable for the task, taking into account working conditions suchas ground conditions, obstructions, floor loading, fragile surfaces and weatherexposure. Also consider the distance to be climbed and the duration and frequency ofthe task i.e. a step ladder to change a light bulb may be appropriate whereas a towerscaffold or cherry picker may be more suitable for complex tasks or longer durationwork. If a work restraint lanyard is used ensure that the length prevents physicallygetting to a place to fall.

Where the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated, minimise the distance andconsequences of a fall. Train how to avoid falling and how to avoid or minimise injuryshould a fall occur. For example airbags and safety nets may be used to minimise therisk of injury in the event of a fall. Fall arrest equipment can minimise injury providingthe equipment is set up correctly, the user knows how to look after and understands itslimitations. Evacuation and rescue procedures for fall arrest equipment are crucial.

Those involved in work at height should be trained and competent. Train those doingthe work to include knowing how to use the equipment as well as erecting anddismantling equipment. Also ensure to check contractors suitability, training and theyare using the appropriate equipment.

7/27/2019 The Work at Height Regulations 2005 an Overview

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opyright 2012 Agora Business Publications L LP. This material may only be used in the furtherance of the subscriber's business and may not be sold, hired, copied or used for any other commercial purpose etc. without the

written consent of Agora Business Publications LLP. Every effort has been made by Agora Business Publications LLP to ensure that the information given is accurate and not misleading, but Agora Business Publications LLP

not accept responsibility for any loss or liability perceived to have arisen from the use of any such information.

Inspect and maintain equipment and ensure that damaged equipment is repaired ortaken out of use. Inspections of equipment can be visual or more rigorous inspectionsby competent persons as is appropriate for safety purposes. Regular recordedinspections are required for the construction industry; refer to The Construction (Designand Management) Regulations 2007 for further details.

The risk from fragile surfaces should be controlled, make people aware of the danger offragile roofs with warning notices. Ensure that no one under your control goes onto ornear a fragile surface unless there are reasonably practicable ways to carry out thework safely.

Prevent injury from falling objects by all reasonably practicable means. If it is notreasonably practicable to ensure that no one is injured by anything falling ensurenothing is thrown or tipped from height or stored so that movement is likely to injureanyone. Clearly indicate if there is a risk of someone being struck by a falling object orperson.

Supervise and Monitorby checking that the work is carried out as planned and theright equipment is used.

Employees or anyone working under someone elses control have a duty to report anysafety hazard, they must use equipment supplied properly and follow any training orinstruction they have been given, unless they think it is unsafe to do so.

There are some exemptions in the regulations which include industries in shipping, offshoreinstallations and docks. There were some minor amendments to the regulations which cameinto force on 6 April 2007 with exemption to those who work at height providing instruction orleadership to 1 or more people engaged in caving or climbing by way of sport, recreation,team building or similar activities in Great Britain. Consult the regulations for further

clarification and specific information on these details.