1. Work at Height Regulations 2005
Health and Safety
Executive
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Welcome to the presentation on the new Work at Height Regulations
Introduction – I am [insert name] from [insert organisation]. My back ground is [insert information].
The presentation will last approximately 30 minutes.
If you have any questions during the presentation please keep a note of them as there is time at the end for these. I may not be able to answer all of your questions today, but I will forward information for those that I cannot answer to you by [insert date].

2. Summary The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) Background Scope
Managing risks from work at height
Selecting the right equipment
Other Requirements
The presentation will cover;
Background - The background to the Regulations, where they came from, why have Regulations?
Scope - What is work at height. Who and what is covered by the Regulations.
Managing risks – What duty holders need to do. The hierarchy.
Selecting the right equipment – How to make sure that the equipment selected is safe and fit for purpose.
Other Requirements – What else needs to be considered or put in place to ensure people work at height safely.

3. Background: Statistics
Biggest cause of workplace fatalities
35 fatal incidents in 2008/09 and a total of 421 since 2001
Cause of 4589 major injuries 2008/09
87% of all major injuries are caused by ‘low falls’ (i.e below 2 mtrs)
Falls from height are the biggest work place killer. There were 35 fatalities in 2008/09. A significant proportion of these were falls from ladders. [How many are there.]
Traditionally falls make up the second biggest cause of major accidents. There were over 4500 in 2008/09. The majority of major injuries were caused by low falls. Again, a significant proportion of these were falls from ladders.[How many are there?]
[Insert further information or sector specific statistics of interest to the audience see link below for background.]

4. Background: History The WAHR came into effect on 6 April 2005
They consolidate all the earlier regulations about working at height and implement European Council Directive 2001/45/EC. (the Temporary Work at Height Directive).
Challenge to communicate the WAHR message effectively as there has been confusion over the ‘2m’ rule
The Regulations were consulted upon during 2004 including a focused consultation on retaining the requirements for particular precautions for construction work at or above 2mtrs.
[It may be appropriate to discuss the 2 metre rule and why it was not retained.The main points are;
The TWAH Directive and the Work at Height Regulation makes no reference to any specific height.
The 2-metre rule has been misrepresented – the Construction Regulations say that suitable and sufficient steps shall be taken , s. f.a.i.r.p., to prevent any person falling’
– 2 metres applied only where particular work equipment should be used.
In fact several fatal and two thirds of major injury accidents occur at heights below two metres and it is important that action is taken to stop them.]
The Regulations have been in force since 6 April 2005.
Working at Height is now governed by the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR). These regulations revoked the earlier construction regulations which specified the "2 metre rule". We therefore do not have this threshold.
The WAHR place a duty on the dutyholder to avoid work at height where it is reasonably practicable to carry out this work safely otherwise than at height. Where work has to be carried out at height, then the dutyholder shall take suitable and sufficient measures to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable , any person falling a distance liable to cause personal injury.
It is recognised in this duty that injury can occur from a fall of any height, not just from above say 2 metres. Also falling objects can cause injury from below a drop distance of 2 metres. Therefore guardrails and toeboards etc should be considered on the basis of a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.
There is no recommended height now. The Regulations have a series of schedules that set out requirements for specific circumstances and schedule 2 sets out the requirements for guardrails, toe-boards, barriers and similar collective means of protection.
A link to the regulations is here:
All forms of work access equipment for working at height come under the Regulations , which includes hop-ups. Besides our falls from height webpage we also have one on construction which might be of interest to you as well at
There is no transitional period as the regulations consolidate what should be existing good practice. However it is understood that industry will need to familiarise themselves with the regulations and ensure that what they do is sufficient to comply.
There is no Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) produced for the new Regulations. HSE are taking a different approach to communicate the Regulations. This is based on A Brief Guide to the Regulations and promoting sector specific guidance. More on this later.

5. Background: The ‘2m’ rule
The WAHR also revoked the earlier construction regulations which specified the "2 metre rule“
The WAHR place a duty on the dutyholder:
‘Where work has to be carried out at height, then the dutyholder shall take suitable and sufficient measures to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any person falling a distance liable to cause personal injury’
This duty recognises that injury can occur from a fall of any height, not just from above 2 metres.
The Regulations were consulted upon during 2004 including a focused consultation on retaining the requirements for particular precautions for construction work at or above 2mtrs.
[It may be appropriate to discuss the 2 metre rule and why it was not retained.The main points are;
The TWAH Directive and the Work at Height Regulation makes no reference to any specific height.
The 2-metre rule has been misrepresented – the Construction Regulations say that suitable and sufficient steps shall be taken , s. f.a.i.r.p., to prevent any person falling’
– 2 metres applied only where particular work equipment should be used.
In fact several fatal and two thirds of major injury accidents occur at heights below two metres and it is important that action is taken to stop them.]
The Regulations have been in force since 6 April 2005.
Working at Height is now governed by the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR). These regulations revoked the earlier construction regulations which specified the "2 metre rule". We therefore do not have this threshold.
The WAHR place a duty on the dutyholder to avoid work at height where it is reasonably practicable to carry out this work safely otherwise than at height. Where work has to be carried out at height, then the dutyholder shall take suitable and sufficient measures to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable , any person falling a distance liable to cause personal injury.
It is recognised in this duty that injury can occur from a fall of any height, not just from above say 2 metres. Also falling objects can cause injury from below a drop distance of 2 metres. Therefore guardrails and toeboards etc should be considered on the basis of a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.
There is no recommended height now. The Regulations have a series of schedules that set out requirements for specific circumstances and schedule 2 sets out the requirements for guardrails, toe-boards, barriers and similar collective means of protection.
A link to the regulations is here:
All forms of work access equipment for working at height come under the Regulations , which includes hop-ups. Besides our falls from height webpage we also have one on construction which might be of interest to you as well at
There is no transitional period as the regulations consolidate what should be existing good practice. However it is understood that industry will need to familiarise themselves with the regulations and ensure that what they do is sufficient to comply.
There is no Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) produced for the new Regulations. HSE are taking a different approach to communicate the Regulations. This is based on A Brief Guide to the Regulations and promoting sector specific guidance. More on this later.

6. The Regulations: Overview
Scope
Risk (assessment / organisation / planning)
Hierarchy (avoid – prevent – minimise)
Select the right work equipment
Other precautions
Key messages
In this part of the presentation we will look more closely at the Work at Height Regulations,
Who is covered,
The arrangements you should have in place for work at height,
The hierarchy for controlling the risk form work at height; avoid work at height where possible, prevent falls where work must take place at height and minimise the consequences of a possible fall.
We will also look at the selection of the right work equipment and what other precautions that may need to be taken when planning or working at height.
And finally, some key messages from HSE about the Regulations and their affect on the work place.

7. Scope: What is work at height?
Work at height means work in any place, including at or below ground level, where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.
This includes access to and egress from that place of work.
Does not include stairways or slips or trips on the level
Scope -
The Work at Height Regulations cover work in any place from which a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.
Potentially anyone at work can work at height at some stage of their tasks. Some work at height is more obvious, for example a steeplejack on top of a chimney or window cleaners in a cradle. Others less so, for example librarians using a kick stool, or someone loading or unloading a vehicle.
The Regulations also cover access to and egress from the place of work and work at or below ground level where there is a risk of a fall, so miners working underground are included in the Regulations, provided there is risk of a fall.
It does not include falls on permanent stairways or slips and trips on the level. As these are covered in Management (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations.

8. Scope: What Sectors are covered?
Covers all industries: e.g. construction, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, maintenance,warehouse etc; but not those paid to lead or train climbing and caving
Duty holders are:
employers;
self-employed; and
those in control of people at work, to the extent of their control
The Regulations cover all industries and work activities where work at height is involved [except those paid to lead or train others in climbing or caving, where separate arrangements are to be made].
This includes construction work, agriculture, manufacturing, maintenance, retail, entertainment etc.
Duty holders in the regulations include employers, the self-employed and persons in control of people at work to the extent of their control. For example [insert example/ case study relevant to audience].
There are also specific duties placed on employees to use equipment provided in accordance with the training received and the instructions given. To report any defect or activity that is likely to endanger the safety of the employee or another person.

9. Organisation, Planning, Competence
Work at height should be
Properly planned
Appropriately supervised
Not carried out if weather conditions jeopardise health and safety
Those working at height should be
competent or if being trained supervised by a competent person
All work at height should be properly planned and appropriately supervised. This includes planning for an emergency or rescue should the need occur.
Generally, you should take sensible precautions to protect against bad weather. However, work at height should not be carried out when weather conditions might endanger health and safety. This could be in high winds or where low temperatures make surfaces slippery. The emergency services are excluded from this part of the Regulations, although they must still do what they reasonably can to protect their employees.
Those working at height should be competent to do so or if being trained they should be supervised by a competent person.
There is no definition of “competent” in the Regulations. However a competent person would generally be expected to have had the right level of, formal training, experience, and/ or instruction for them to be able to do their job to the level of responsibility required. Competence also includes involvement in organisation, planning, supervision, and the supply and maintenance of equipment.

10. Risk Assessment
Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at work Regulations
Do a risk assessment
Risk assessment –
All work should be risk based, well organised and planned in advance. There is a requirement to complete a risk assessment for work at height. If you employ 5 or more persons you should keep a written record of this risk assessment.
For many tasks your risk assessment might be simple and straightforward. For example it will often be enough to follow good practice for the task you are doing, e.g. using a kick stool. But in other case where what you are doing is more complicated a more detailed risk assessment might be needed.
For further information, HSE has produced “5 steps to risk assessment” which is available from the HSE website.

11. Avoid - Prevent - Minimise
Avoid work at height
if you don’t have to go up there DON’T!
Prevent falls
use an existing place or means of access
Use the most suitable way of working
Select the most suitable equipment
Avoid – Prevent – Minimise risk –
There is a simple hierarchy for managing and selecting equipment for work at height. Duty holders must:
avoid work at height where they can;
There are a number of things that can be put in place to avoid work at height, [provide examples that will fit audience e.g. installing adjustable lighting that can be lowered to ground level to change bulbs or maintain, use extension arms for cleaning windows, construct at ground level and move into position etc.]
Prevent Falls
This can be done through either using an existing place of work at height or an existing means of access, which has suitable and sufficient features to prevent a fall e.g. a sound, flat roof with parapets or guardrails.
[provide a photographic example suitable for audience]
Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at height. For example install temporary guardrails around the roof edge to prevent falls.
and

12. Avoid – Prevent - Minimise
Minimise the distance and consequences
Minimise the consequences
Take other measures to prevent injury eg instruction, information and training
Where they cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.
For example install netting, use air bags or bean bags etc. The system should be designed and installed to minimise the height that a person could fall from. [again amend the above to give examples suitable for the audience.]
If collective protection is not appropriate consider using personal protective equipment. For example rope systems [again, use relevant examples].
Other measures to prevent injury
This will include instruction in safe working, information on the control measures in place and safe working practices, training in the required task and use of safety equipment provided.

13. Select the right work equipment
This chart sets out what should be considered when selecting work equipment.
Start by considering how a fall can be prevented using collective protection.
If this is not reasonably practicable consider personal prevention equipment.
Otherwise minimise the risk with collective equipment.
If this is not reasonably practicable look at minimising the risk with personal equipment.
Ladders, stilts etc come at the bottom of the hierarchy.

14. Select the right work equipment
Collective protection before personal protection
Select guardrails/working platforms before personal fall prevention (eg work restraint)
Select nets/airbags before personal fall arrest
The Regulations require that duty holders consider the use of collective protection equipment before anything else.
This is the top of the hierarchy.
Examples of collective protection are on the slide.
There are many types of collective protection on the market. It is good practice to keep up to date with the equipment available.

15. Select the right work equipment
Working conditions
Access and Egress
Distance and consequences of a fall
Duration and frequency of use/task
Ease of rescue/evacuation
Risk of use, installation and removal of equipment
In addition to selecting collective methods before personal you should also consider how other aspects of the work might determine the selection of work equipment. Considerations should include:
Working conditions: i.e. the conditions where the work is to be carried out or the equipment is to be erected
Access and egress: i.e. getting to and from the point of work
Distance and likely consequences of any fall: how far might a person fall and what will they fall onto? What are the likely consequences?
The duration and frequency of the use of the equipment or the task: how often does this task need to be performed how long will the equipment be used for on each occasion?
Ease of rescue or evacuation: given the equipment what arrangements are in place should a rescue or evacuation be required – could this be effected easily?
The relative risks of installing, using and removing the work equipment that could be selected: given the task and the available equipment would the risks be reduced if one form of equipment was selected over another?

16. Types of Work Equipment
Guardrails
Working platforms (scaffolds/MEWPS etc)
Nets/Airbags
Personal Fall Protection systems
Ladders
The work at height regulations has some detailed requirements regarding particular types of work equipment including
Guardrails: These must be suitable and sufficient for the task. In construction work they should be at least 950mm and have no gap of more than 470mm.
Working platforms: (including scaffolding and mewps) these must be suitable and sufficient for the task and number of workers involved.
Nets/airbags: these should only be used where other preventative safeguards are not appropriate.
Personal fall protection systems: These include work restraints, fall arrest systems, rope access and positioning and work positioning equipment. Among other requirements these should only be used if other types of equipment are not appropriate.
Ladders and stepladders: ladders and stepladders are common place across industry and need to be treated with respect. They should only be used for short duration, low risk activities or where there are site features which cannot be changed. Suitable arrangements should be taken to prevent the ladder from slipping this could include tying the ladder at the top or bottom or using an effective anti slip, or other stability devices.

17. LADDERS USE Risk assessment must justify use; Low risk,
Short duration,
Or Site conditions dictate
Follow good practice
[OPTIONAL SLIDE]
Between a ¼ and a 1/3 of all falls from height are from ladders.
Duty holders should think carefully before specifying ladder use and consider if other safer access equipment can be used.
Operatives must use ladders sensibly and safely. The Work at Height Regulations impose particular duties for the use of ladders (in Schedule 6).
You should only use a ladder where a risk assessment demonstrates the task is;
Low risk (e.g. inspection, cleaning a small window, changing a light bulb)
Short duration work. Not more than 15 – 30 minutes working from a ladder, depending upon the task being performed. The person can resume the operation after a suitable break if necessary.
Or there are features on site which cannot be changed that means that other more suitable equipment cannot be deployed safely or effectively.
When using a ladder always follow good practice,
Choose the right ladder for the task,
Make sure it is in good condition,
Make sure the surface it rests on is suitable,
The ladder is stable, is secured where possible, and has effective anti slip devices,
It is long enough and positioned properly to allow good access to the work area. Do not stretch or over-reach while on a ladder.

18. Examples of Work Equipment.
Extensions are fitted to window cleaning equipment to prevent need to use a ladder.
The bridge is built on the level and then tunnelled under.
Avoiding work at height

19. Collective Prevention.
Scaffolding
Edge protection
Mobile Elevated Work Platform
M.E.W.P

20. Collective Fall arrest
Nets
Air bags
Must look at placement to minimise the height of any fall.

21. Personal Fall Arrest Fall Arrest Work Positioning
Fall factors – always try to connect above the worker. Make sure the operative is trained to use the equipment properly.
Work Positioning

22. Other Requirements Avoid risks from Fragile Surfaces
Prevent Falling Objects
Warn about Danger Areas
Inspect work equipment
Persons at work should
Follow instructions and training
Advise employer of hazards/risks to health and safety
Fragile Surfaces: work on or near fragile surfaces should be avoided. Where this is not reasonably practicable suitable precautions should be taken following the principles of the hierarchy; avoid – prevent – mitigation. Where necessary fragile surfaces should be indicated by means of warning notices or other means. [If relevant give examples or case history relevant to the audience.]
Falling Objects: arrangements should be made to ensure the risks from falling objects are properly controlled.
Danger Areas: arrangements should be made to ensure access to areas where there is a risk of a fall or being struck by a falling object is properly controlled;
Inspecting work equipment: work equipment for work at height should be inspected and maintained in the same way as they currently should be under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998;
Checking places of work at height: where reasonably practicable places of work at height should be checked visually before being used.
Duties on Employees: employees should report any safety hazards to their employer and use the equipment supplied to them (including safety devices) properly, following any training and instruction.

23. Communication What HSE have done What HSE would like you to do
How will HSE know if they are getting it right?
What HSE have done;
The Work at Height Regulations,
Work at Height Regulations a brief guide,
Q and A for Construction Industry,
What HSE would like to do;
Knowledge Warehouse – to make it easy to find the information that is available,
FAQs – to have a list of FAQs and work on answers,
Use experts - to produce a raft of knowledge and fill gaps in the knowledge we have now,
Articles in sector magazines etc. - to promote the regulations,
Sector specific guidance - to help people to develop relevant guidance that fits what they do. Recognises that the people best placed to make workplaces safer from harm are the staff and managers who work in them. They do this best by working together.
How will HSE know if they are getting it right?
Each step has a built in review and the results of the review will be fed in to the other parts of the plan.

24. KEY MESSAGES
If you follow good practice you should be doing enough to comply
Do a risk assessment, plan and organise your work properly
Follow the hierarchy: avoid – prevent – minimise
Choose the right equipment - select collective protection before personal
Guide supported by Industry Specific Guidance.
Key messages –
The key messages to duty holders are:
those following good practice for work at height now should already be doing enough to comply with these Regulations;
follow the risk assessments you have carried out for work at height activities and make sure all work at height is planned, organised and carried out by competent persons;
follow the hierarchy for managing risks from work at height - take steps to avoid, prevent or reduce risks;
and
choose the right work equipment and select collective measures to prevent falls (such as guardrails and working platforms) before other measures which may only mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall (such as nets or airbags) or which may only provide personal protection from a fall.
The people best placed to make workplaces safer from harm are the staff and managers who work in them. They do this best by working together.