Key messages

Our key messages to duty holders are:

• 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.

A question and answer brief has been developed aimed at people who work at height in construction. Visit the HSE Construction website for more information. HSE and Local Authority inspectors have received information about the requirements of the Work at Height Regulations.

• Falls from height downloads
• The law
• Types of access equipment
• Your industry