Working at Heights Training

Latest figures show that 45 people died and 3351 suffered serious injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace

• Working at height is any place from which a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury, even if it is at or below ground level.
• On average 13 people a year die at work falling from ladders and nearly 1200 suffer major injuries. More than a quarter of falls happen from ladders.
• HSE’s key message is that that ladders should only be used for low-risk, short-duration work. Short duration is taken to be between 15 and 30 minutes depending upon the task.
• Working at Heights accidents are usually due to poor management control rather than equipment failure.
• It is the Dutyholder’s responsibility to ensure those involved in working at height are trained and competent. This includes involvement in organisation, planning, supervision and the supply and maintenance of equipment.
• All work at height is covered regardless of what height it is performed – there is not a two metre rule. Any culture that thinks no risks exist below two metres should be challenged.