Do I need a risk assessment for ladder work?

Yes. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, all work at height including ladder work must be properly planned, which includes carrying out a risk assessment. The assessment must confirm that a ladder is appropriate for the task (light work of short duration where three-point contact can be maintained), the ladder is in good condition, and the surface is suitable.

What is the hierarchy of control for working at height?

The legal hierarchy under WAHR 2005 Regulations 6 and 7 is: (1) avoid work at height if possible, (2) prevent falls using collective protection (edge protection, platforms with guardrails), (3) minimise the distance and consequences of a fall if prevention is not practicable (nets, airbags, personal fall arrest), and (4) provide training and information. You must work through this hierarchy in order.

How often must scaffolding be inspected?

Under Regulation 12 of WAHR 2005, scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person after erection, after any event likely to affect its stability (such as high winds or accidental impact), after alteration, and at intervals not exceeding 7 days if it remains in place. A written inspection report must be provided within 24 hours of each inspection.

Can I use a domestic stepladder for work at height?

No. Domestic stepladders (Class 3 or DIY grade) are not designed for commercial or sustained use and do not meet the requirements of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Work activities must use industrial-grade Class 1 ladders or stepladders that are designed and tested for professional use. Using domestic equipment is a breach of PUWER 1998 and WAHR 2005.

What training is required to operate a cherry picker (MEWP)?

Under Regulation 5 of WAHR 2005 and Regulation 9 of PUWER 1998, only trained and competent persons may operate a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP). Operators must hold a valid IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) PAL card for the specific category of machine being used (e.g. 1a for scissor lifts, 3a for boom lifts). Training must include theory, practical operation, and emergency descent procedures.

What is the 3:1 rule for mobile towers?

The 3:1 rule is the minimum base-to-height ratio for safe mobile tower stability. Indoors, the base dimension must be at least one-third of the platform height (e.g. a 6m high tower needs a 2m base). Outdoors or in exposed conditions, the ratio is 3.5:1. Stabilisers or outriggers must be deployed before use and the tower must not be moved with anyone on the platform.

What are the weather limits for working at height?

Work at height must be stopped if weather conditions make it unsafe. Typical limits include: wind speeds above 12.5 m/s (approximately force 6) for MEWP or scaffold work, any rainfall that makes surfaces slippery or reduces visibility, snow or ice on working platforms or access routes, and electrical storms if working on or near conductive structures. The risk assessment must specify the weather monitoring arrangements and decision-making process.

Working at Height Risk Assessment

Working at height is the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and serious injuries in the UK. A working at height risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR 2005) whenever work is done at any height where a person could fall and injure themselves — this includes working on a ladder, scaffold, roof, platform, or even standing on a chair. The assessment must identify the hazards, evaluate the risks, apply the hierarchy of controls (avoid, prevent, mitigate), and specify the equipment and precautions needed before the work begins.

What is Working at Height?

Under Regulation 2(1) of WAHR 2005, working at height means work in any place where, if there were no precautions in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. There is no minimum height threshold. This definition explicitly includes:

Working on a ladder or stepladder
Working on scaffolding, towers, or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs)
Working on a flat roof, sloping roof, or fragile roof
Working near or at the edge of an excavation, loading bay, or open edge
Working on a raised platform, staging, or gantry
Working below ground level where there is a risk of falling into the void

The HSE confirms that standing on a chair to change a lightbulb or retrieve stock from a high shelf is working at height. According to HSE statistics for 2022/23, falls from height accounted for 40 fatal injuries to workers — 29% of all workplace fatalities that year. A further 6,222 non-fatal injuries from falls from height were reported under RIDDOR.

Legal Requirements Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005

Regulation 4: Organisation and Planning

Regulation 4(1) of WAHR 2005 requires that all work at height is properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out in a manner which is so far as is reasonably practicable safe. This means you cannot simply send someone up a ladder without a written plan, proper equipment, and adequate supervision. Planning must include emergency and rescue arrangements — what happens if someone is injured or becomes stranded at height.

Regulation 6: Risk Assessment and Avoidance

Regulation 6(2) of WAHR 2005 states: "Every employer shall ensure that work is not carried out at height where it is reasonably practicable to carry out the work safely otherwise than at height." This is the avoidance principle — before assessing how to work safely at height, you must first assess whether the work can be done at ground level. For example, installing roof insulation from below using blown insulation eliminates the need to access the roof. Cleaning high windows using an extendable pole from the ground avoids ladder work.

If work at height cannot be avoided, Regulation 6(3) requires the employer to take suitable and sufficient measures to prevent any person falling a distance liable to cause personal injury. Only where prevention is not reasonably practicable can you rely on measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall (such as safety netting or airbags).

Regulation 7: Selection of Equipment

Regulation 7 of WAHR 2005 requires that equipment used for work at height is selected giving collective protection priority over personal protection. This means fixed scaffolding with guardrails is preferred over a personal fall arrest system (harness and lanyard). The regulation also mandates that equipment must be suitable for the task, the working environment, and the duration of use. You cannot use domestic stepladders for commercial work — they are not designed for sustained use.

The Hierarchy of Controls for Working at Height

The legal framework for controlling working at height risks follows a strict hierarchy set out in Regulations 6 and 7 of WAHR 2005. This hierarchy must be applied in order — you cannot jump to a lower-order control without demonstrating why higher-order controls are not reasonably practicable.

1. Avoid work at height — carry out the task at ground level if possible. Example: prefabricate building elements on the ground rather than assembling them at height. Use extendable tools to clean windows or prune trees from ground level.
2. Prevent falls using collective protection — physical barriers that protect everyone. Example: edge protection (guardrails, toe boards) on scaffolding or flat roofs, working platforms with handrails, safety nets below the work area, covers over fragile roof lights.
3. Minimise the distance and consequences of a fall — where prevention is not reasonably practicable. Example: soft-landing systems (airbags), safety nets positioned as close as possible to the work area, personal fall arrest systems (harness, lanyard, anchor point) — but only where collective protection cannot be used.
4. Provide information, instruction and training — workers must be competent to work at height. This includes understanding how to use the equipment, recognising hazards (fragile surfaces, weather conditions), and knowing the emergency plan.

A common error is to issue harnesses and lanyards (personal fall arrest) when edge protection or a mobile tower could be used. HSE inspectors will challenge this approach.

Risk Assessing Different Types of Work at Height

Ladder and Stepladder Work

Ladders are classified as work equipment under WAHR 2005 and must only be used for work at height where the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and short duration, or because features of the site cannot be altered (Regulation 6(5) and Schedule 6). In practice, this means ladders are acceptable for light work of short duration — typically under 30 minutes in one position — where the person can maintain three points of contact.

A working at height risk assessment for ladder work must confirm: the ladder is appropriate for the task (right type, length, and load rating), the ladder is in good condition (no bent stiles, damaged rungs, or missing feet), the surface is firm and level, the ladder is secured (tied at the top or footed at the base), the ladder extends at least 1m above the landing point (or other suitable handhold), the user has been trained, and the task does not require both hands or heavy materials (maximum 10kg).

Common ladder tasks that fail the risk assessment test: prolonged painting or rendering (should use a tower or scaffold), carrying materials up and down repeatedly (should use a hoist or pass materials up), work requiring two hands such as drilling or cutting (should use a platform), and any work over 9m height (should use scaffolding or MEWP).

Scaffold and Tower Work

Scaffolding must be erected, altered and dismantled by competent persons under the supervision of a trained and competent supervisor (Schedule 2 Part 2 of WAHR 2005). Before any scaffold is used, it must be inspected by a competent person and a written inspection report (TG20 or similar) must be provided. The risk assessment for scaffold work must confirm: the scaffold has been inspected and a handover certificate issued, edge protection (guardrails at 950mm and toe boards at 150mm) is in place on all open sides, access is safe (internal ladder or stair tower), the platform is fully boarded with no gaps greater than 25mm, the scaffold is tied to the structure at the correct intervals, and loading bays are clearly marked if materials are to be stored.

Mobile tower scaffolds must have stabilisers or outriggers deployed before use, the platform must be accessed from inside the tower (never climb up the outside), and the tower must not be moved while anyone is on the platform. A 3:1 height-to-base ratio (indoors) or 3.5:1 (outdoors) is the safe limit.

Roof Work

Roof work presents significant risks due to fragile surfaces, sloping surfaces, unprotected edges, and weather exposure. A risk assessment for roof work must address: how access to the roof will be gained (scaffold tower, ladder with platform, MEWP), whether the roof surface is fragile (roof lights, fibre cement sheets, liner panels, old asbestos cement sheets), whether edge protection is required and how it will be installed (scaffold edge protection, permanent guardrails, temporary barriers), what will be done if the surface is fragile (use crawling boards or roof ladders to spread the load, never walk directly on fragile material), and what the weather conditions are (work must be stopped in high winds, rain, snow or ice).

Under Regulation 9 of WAHR 2005, fragile surfaces must be identified with warning notices and, where crossing is unavoidable, platforms or coverings must be provided to prevent falls through the surface. A common fatal scenario is a worker stepping onto a roof light or liner panel assuming it will bear their weight — it will not.

Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs)

MEWPs (cherry pickers, scissor lifts, boom lifts) must only be operated by trained personnel who hold a valid IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) or equivalent certificate. The risk assessment for MEWP use must confirm: the operator is trained and certificated for the specific machine category, the ground conditions are suitable (level, firm, no hidden voids or services), the MEWP has been inspected (weekly thorough examination required if hired), guardrails and gates on the platform are in place and working, the safe working load is not exceeded, and the weather conditions are safe (wind speed below the manufacturer's limit, typically 12.5 m/s).

Under Schedule 5 of WAHR 2005, MEWPs must be stabilised before use and must not be moved with the platform raised unless specifically designed for that purpose.

Common Working at Height Scenarios by Industry

Construction

A roofing contractor installing tiles on a domestic extension. Hierarchy applied: (1) Avoidance — not applicable; work must be done at height. (2) Collective protection — full scaffold with edge protection erected around the perimeter, toe boards fitted, internal ladder access provided. (3) Minimise fall — safety netting installed below the work area as secondary protection. (4) Training — all workers hold CSCS cards, site induction completed, scaffold inspection certificate reviewed before access. Regulations: WAHR 2005 Regulation 6, CDM Regulations 2015 Regulation 13.

Retail

A shop assistant retrieving stock from a high shelf using a stepladder. Hierarchy applied: (1) Avoidance — can the stock be stored at a lower level? If yes, reorganise racking. If no, proceed. (2) Collective protection — a kick-step platform or small mobile tower with handrails would be preferable but may not be practicable in a narrow aisle. (3) Stepladder permitted if the task is light (under 10kg), of short duration (under 30 minutes), the ladder is Class 1 industrial standard, the assistant maintains three points of contact, the ladder is on a level surface, and a colleague foots the ladder or it is secured. (4) Training — the assistant has been shown how to set up and use the ladder safely. Regulations: WAHR 2005 Regulation 6(5) and Schedule 6.

Facilities Management

A window cleaner cleaning external windows on a three-storey office building. Hierarchy applied: (1) Avoidance — can windows be cleaned from inside using extendable poles or a water-fed pole system from ground level? If yes, use that method. If not practicable (e.g. fixed sealed windows), proceed. (2) Collective protection — MEWP (scissor lift or boom lift) provides a stable platform with guardrails. Operator holds valid IPAF ticket. Ground conditions assessed, outriggers deployed, exclusion zone marked. (3) Personal fall arrest not required as collective protection is in place. (4) Training — operator trained, emergency descent procedure in place. Regulations: WAHR 2005 Regulation 7, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

Education

A caretaker changing lightbulbs in a school hall with a 5m ceiling. Hierarchy applied: (1) Avoidance — can LED bulbs with a 10-year lifespan be installed to reduce the frequency of access? Can a lighting maintenance contractor with specialist equipment do the work? (2) Collective protection — a mobile aluminium tower with platform height of 5m, guardrails on all sides, outriggers deployed, access via internal ladder, platform fully boarded. The caretaker does not climb the outside. (3) Training — the caretaker has been trained in tower assembly and use, a pre-use inspection checklist is completed. Regulations: WAHR 2005 Schedule 3 (towers), PUWER 1998.

What Must Be Included in a Working at Height Risk Assessment?

Under Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the risk assessment must be suitable and sufficient. For working at height, this means the assessment must include:

A description of the work activity and location
Identification of who could be harmed (workers, contractors, members of the public below)
Identification of hazards (height of work, edge exposure, fragile surfaces, weather, access/egress, falling objects, proximity to power lines or other services)
Evidence that avoidance has been considered — why the work cannot be done at ground level
Selection and justification of equipment (why collective protection is or is not practicable)
Control measures in place (edge protection, platforms, harnesses, exclusion zones, weather limits)
Competence requirements (training, certification, supervision)
Emergency and rescue arrangements — what will happen if someone is injured or trapped at height
Inspection and maintenance requirements for equipment
Review date and circumstances that would trigger a review

The assessment must be recorded in writing if the business employs five or more people (MHSWR 1999 Regulation 3(6)), but best practice is to record all working at height assessments regardless of size.

Inspection and Maintenance Requirements

Under Regulation 12 of WAHR 2005, work equipment used for working at height must be inspected at intervals appropriate to the equipment and the conditions of use. Specific inspection requirements include:

Scaffolding — inspected by a competent person after erection, after any event likely to affect its stability (e.g. high winds, impact), after alteration, and at intervals not exceeding 7 days. A written report must be provided within 24 hours of the inspection.
Mobile towers — inspected before first use on each occasion it is assembled. If left erected for more than 7 days, weekly inspections required.
Ladders and stepladders — inspected before each use (visual check for damage, missing rungs, bent stiles). Formal recorded inspection at suitable intervals depending on frequency of use (typically every 3 to 6 months).
MEWPs — statutory thorough examination every 6 months if used for hire or loan. Daily pre-use checks by the operator (fluid levels, emergency controls, platform gate operation).
Personal fall arrest equipment (harnesses, lanyards, anchor points) — inspected before each use and subjected to a detailed recorded inspection by a competent person at least every 6 months. Equipment damaged or subject to a fall arrest event must be withdrawn from use immediately.

All inspection records must be kept and made available to HSE inspectors on request. Failure to maintain valid inspection records is a common cause of enforcement action.

Training and Competence

Under Regulation 5 of WAHR 2005, no person shall work at height unless they are competent to do so or, if being trained, are supervised by a competent person. Competence means the person has sufficient training, experience and knowledge to carry out the task safely and recognise when they are out of their depth. Specific competence requirements include:

Scaffold erectors — must hold CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) cards or equivalent. Erection, alteration and dismantling must be supervised by an Advanced Scaffolder or Scaffold Supervisor.
MEWP operators — must hold a valid IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) PAL card for the specific category of machine (1a scissor lift, 3a boom lift, etc.).
Roof workers — must have received specific training on identifying fragile surfaces, using crawling boards and roof ladders, installing edge protection, and emergency procedures. Refresher training recommended every 3 years.
Ladder users — must be trained in safe ladder use including angle setting (1:4 ratio, 75°), securing methods, three-point contact, and load limits. Refresher every 2 years for regular users.
Fall arrest equipment users — must be trained in donning and adjusting the harness, connecting to anchor points, pre-use inspection, and suspension trauma/rescue. Training must be delivered by an accredited provider. Refresher every 12 months.

Training records must be kept as evidence of competence. A person operating a MEWP without a valid IPAF card is committing a criminal offence under Regulation 9 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

Emergency and Rescue Planning

Regulation 4(1)(b) of WAHR 2005 requires that all work at height is planned to include emergency and rescue arrangements. A common and often fatal oversight is to provide fall arrest equipment (harnesses and lanyards) without considering what happens if someone falls and is left suspended. Suspension trauma can kill within minutes if the casualty is not rescued promptly.

The risk assessment must address: how a fallen or trapped person will be rescued, who will carry out the rescue (trained personnel, fire and rescue service), what equipment is needed for rescue (rescue kit, secondary anchor points, communications), how long rescue will take (suspension trauma can be fatal within 10 minutes), and how the emergency services will be contacted and directed to the casualty. For work in remote locations or on tall structures, a dedicated rescue plan with trained rescue personnel and equipment must be in place before work begins.

Legal Penalties for Non-Compliance

Breaches of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 are criminal offences. Under Section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, conviction in a Magistrates' Court can result in a fine of up to £20,000 and/or six months' imprisonment. Conviction in a Crown Court can result in an unlimited fine and/or up to two years' imprisonment. The Health and Safety Sentencing Guidelines 2016 set fines based on the organisation's turnover and the level of culpability and harm.

According to HSE prosecution statistics for 2023/24, working at height offences were among the most frequently prosecuted, with average fines exceeding £200,000 for medium-sized companies. Recent notable cases include a roofing contractor fined £600,000 after a worker fell 6m through fragile roof sheets (no edge protection, no risk assessment), and a facilities management company fined £400,000 after a window cleaner fell from a ladder that was not secured (task should have been done using a MEWP or water-fed pole).

Beyond criminal penalties, employers face civil claims from injured workers. Falls from height often result in life-changing injuries (spinal damage, traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures) with compensation awards running into millions of pounds.

How to Generate a Working at Height Risk Assessment in Under 2 Minutes

Writing a compliant working at height risk assessment from scratch requires detailed knowledge of WAHR 2005, the hierarchy of controls, equipment selection criteria, and industry-specific hazards. Anyrisks generates a fully written, regulation-referenced working at height risk assessment in under 2 minutes. You describe the task (roof repair, window cleaning, light bulb changing, scaffold erection), the location, the equipment available, and the people involved. The system applies the WAHR 2005 hierarchy, identifies the relevant control measures, specifies inspection and training requirements, and produces a professional PDF and editable Word document for £29.

The assessment must still be reviewed by a competent person before use — but instead of starting with a blank template, you start with a complete, tailored document that reflects your specific work activity and correctly applies the legal framework. For businesses carrying out multiple working at height tasks (contractors, facilities management, maintenance teams), this approach can save hours of document preparation time while ensuring consistency and compliance.

Working at Height Risk Assessment: UK Regulations & Templates