What counts as work at height?

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, work at height means any work where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. This includes working on ladders, scaffolds, roofs, fragile surfaces, and even at ground level near an open edge or excavation.

What is the work at height hierarchy?

The regulations require: 1) AVOID work at height where possible, 2) PREVENT falls using guard rails, scaffolds, or MEWPs, 3) MITIGATE falls using safety nets, harnesses, or airbags. Personal fall protection (harnesses) should be the last resort, not the first choice.

Can I still use ladders for work at height?

Ladders can be used for low-risk, short-duration tasks (typically under 30 minutes) where the ladder can be secured and three points of contact maintained. They should not be used as a primary workplace for extended work. EN131 Professional ladders should be used.

When is edge protection required?

Edge protection (guard rails, toe boards, intermediate rails) is required wherever there is a risk of falling 2 metres or more. Guard rails must be at least 950mm high, with toe boards at least 150mm, and intermediate rails to prevent passage between them.

Who can inspect scaffold and access equipment?

Scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person before first use, after any event that could affect stability, and at least every 7 days. MEWP operators need IPAF certification. All access equipment inspections must be recorded in writing.

TradeCalculator

Work at Height Assessment Calculator

Assess work at height risk and select appropriate equipment

Working Height

Task Duration

Frequency

How We Calculate This

Enter the working height, task duration, frequency, distance from edges, and weather exposure factor. The calculator applies the WAH hierarchy (avoid/prevent/mitigate) based on height and duration, scores the overall risk, and recommends appropriate access equipment. It also identifies rescue planning and inspection requirements per the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Manual Handling Assessment Calculator

Calculate manual handling risk score from weight, frequency, distance and posture.

Noise Exposure Calculator

Calculate daily noise exposure LEP,d from tool dB levels and duration.

COSHH Assessment Calculator

Calculate COSHH workplace exposure limits, ventilation rate and RPE selection.

HAV Exposure Calculator

Calculate hand-arm vibration exposure points from tool vibration and trigger time.

Dust Exposure Calculator

Calculate dust exposure against WEL limits with extraction rate and RPE factor.

Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.