---
title: What Working at Height hazards & control measures should I consider?
description: When planning working at height, there are various hazards and control measures you should consider. Lloyds British have produced a handy list for your convenience.
image: https://www.lloydsbritish.com/hubfs/height%20safety.jpg
---

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# What Working at Height hazards & control measures should I consider?

###### [Steve Knight](https://www.lloydsbritish.com/blog/author/steve-knight) 26 Mar 2020

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[The Work at Height Regulations (2005)](http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/735/contents/made) are in place to prevent death and injury caused by a fall from height. If you’re an employer or are in charge of working at height, then it is **your responsibility** to ensure that the work being done is safe in accordance with legislation. 

By following these regulations, you safeguard your staff, provide a safe working environment and stay compliant. 

 

## What are the hazards when Working at Height? 

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm and this definition applies** no matter the height you are working at; **even if you’re working on the first rung of a ladder, you’ll still be subject to working at height regulations**. **

[Roof work](https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf), in particular, is high risk, with falls from roofs, through fragile roofs and roof lights being some of the most common causes of death and serious injury; however, there are many other hazards to be aware of, including:

- Ladders 
- Overhead cranes
- Sewers
- Machinery maintenance
- Steel erection

When working at height, it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that all hazards have been identified and (where practical), the **appropriate control measures** have been put in place.

 

#### FREE: The no-nonsense guide to staying compliant with working at height regulations

Avoid excessive technical jargon with our simple to follow guide which will help you stay compliant without the headache.

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## What is a control measure?

A control measure refers to anything that’s put in place to **reduce the risk of falling and subsequently, injury or death**. If you’re in charge of working at height, you should always take into consideration collective protection (measures that keep everyone safe) before considering the personal protection of the individual doing the work. To decide what control measures you need to take, you should undertake a **full risk assessment**; which will highlight all possible hazards and how best to mitigate them.

Examples of common hazards and their suitable control measures include:

- Ladders

Where the hazard is a ladder, a [fall arrest system](https://www.lloydsbritish.com/height-safety-and-fall-protection-systems) may be suitable. These systems will protect the operator if they fall, by shortening the overall distance and shielding them from the intense shock of the arrest. 

- Open roof-tops

As a common hazard, there are many suitable measures to take when concerned with open roof-tops. If the area is used frequently, then a guard rail would be appropriate in the interest of collective safety. Alternatively, a fall restraint system could be used to prevent workers from reaching areas where there is a risk of falling. If neither of these options is suitable, a fall arrest system is the best control measure to use.

- Temporary open sewers

For this specific hazard barriers around the hole are better as it is a collective measure. 

These are just some of the hazards you could encounter in your workplace, but each illustrates the importance of adhering to the Working at Height regulations, and performing risk assessments to identify the best preventative measure to take to ensure compliance. 

However, the Working at Height regulations are complicated. It can be difficult to understand exactly what they mean, what your responsibilities are, and how exactly you can remain compliant; which is why our free download ***The No-nonsense Guide to Working at Height ***is designed to be an accessible, straightforward manual containing everything you need to know. 

With our thorough, convenient guide, you’ll learn the need-to-know facts about the Working at Height regulations; from how to safeguard your staff and ensure a safe working environment, to remaining compliant:

![No-Nonsense-Guide-Working-At-Height-Regulations-Front-Cover-Image](https://www.lloydsbritish.com/hs-fs/hubfs/No-Nonsense-Guide-Working-At-Height-Regulations-Front-Cover-Image.png?width=318&name=No-Nonsense-Guide-Working-At-Height-Regulations-Front-Cover-Image.png)

 

#### Get the no-nonsense guide to staying compliant with working at height regulations

Avoid excessive technical jargon with our simple to follow guide which will help you stay compliant without the headache.

[![Get my copy](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6113928/855f6b3e-3c3c-440b-97e0-814590490d20.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6113928/855f6b3e-3c3c-440b-97e0-814590490d20)

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## From the blog

### What is the true definition of ‘working at height’?

###### Apr 7, 2022 1:43:33 PM

Falls from a height continue to be the most common kind of fatal injury in the workplace for the 4th year running - with 171 fatal injuries from 2016-2021 being due to falls from a height. You may be ...

[**Read blog post >**](https://www.lloydsbritish.com/blog/what-is-the-definition-of-working-at-height)

### What is the main legislation that covers work at height?

###### Apr 7, 2022 1:42:26 PM

In 2005, the Work at Height Regulations (2005) were introduced to ensure the safety of those who work at potentially dangerous heights and they are still in place today. What does all this legal jargo...

[**Read blog post >**](https://www.lloydsbritish.com/blog/what-is-the-main-legislation-that-covers-work-at-height)

### Working at height training: How should you train your team?

###### Aug 10, 2021 8:56:58 AM

According to HSE, you should be taking vital steps to protect your team when working at height. One way to minimise the likelihood of an accident is through the use of a Fall Arrest System.

[**Read blog post >**](https://www.lloydsbritish.com/blog/working-at-height-training-how-should-you-train-your-team)

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