Chapter 14 Working at height and roofwork

Working at height, even low height, is an inherently dangerous activity and falling from height in construction is still top of the list for fatalities, and produces the most major injuries after the slips and trips category. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 now regulate a coordinated approach to reducing risk which includes a hierarchy of avoiding it, preventing falls and mitigating the effect of them. This chapter looks at the range of situations that cause falls, the effective planning to reduce or to avoid these risks, the use of access equipment such as ladders, scaffolding, mobile elevated working platforms, access towers and rope access. It also looks at the particularly hazardous case of roofwork. It suggests safe working methods, but many of these will be helped by the development of a willing and motivated culture among the workforce you supervise. It discusses particular responsibilities for the Supervisor to plan, inspect and maintain working equipment, inform and train. It also discusses the requirements for others which you are expected to check.