Managing the risk of working at height

Falls when working at height are the most common kind of workplace fatality.

The HSE's latest figures for work-related fatalities in Great Britain show that 35 workers were killed in falls from height in 2024 to 2025.

Make sure you put sensible and proportionate measures in place to manage the risks of working at height.

The HSE's step-by-step guide to working at height can help you control the risks.

Scaffolding

It is vital to make sure any scaffolding is stable and safe at all times.

The HSE's scaffolds guidance explains when a scaffold design is required. It also covers the level of training and competence needed for those erecting, dismantling, altering, inspecting and supervising scaffolding.

Ladders

Ladders and stepladders can be a sensible and practical option for low-risk, short-duration tasks, but they should not automatically be your first choice.

To help you make sure that you use the right type of ladder, and know how to use it safely, the HSE website has guidance on safe use of ladders and stepladders at work.

Want to lean more? Our eLearning course is approved by RoSPA and IIRSM. This course is aimed at anyone who undertakes work at height, or who employs people who regularly work at height. It covers what constitutes work at height, the safety issues, and how to assess and reduce some of the risks. Click to find out more:

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