Health and Safety Executive

This website uses non-intrusive cookies to improve your user experience. You can visit our cookie privacy page for more information.

Social media

Javascript is required to use HSE website social media functionality.

Poor practice of working at height on a small domestic refurbishment site

Poor practice

Found on a small domestic refurbishment site involving an extension to the rear of a terraced house. These workers were laying bricks while standing on unprotected edges and open joists, with no means to prevent a fall. A prohibition notice was served to stop work at height immediately.

Man standing on an extension to the rear of a terraced house
Bricks loosely piled on top of a beam
Worker standing on exposed ceiling beams

Access equipment such as scaffolding, a mobile tower or podium steps should have been considered and chosen to suit the job before the work started so that the workers could work at height safely.

Social media

Javascript is required to use HSE website social media functionality.

Updated 2010-11-05