Work at Height Assessment Calculator

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.

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.

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.

Edge protection (guard rails, toe boards, intermediate rails) is required wherever a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury — the Work at Height Regulations 2005 set no 2 metre minimum threshold, so it can apply at low heights too (e.g. over an excavation, fragile roof, or onto rebar). Where used, the top guard rail must be at least 950mm above the edge (Schedule 2 para 3(a)), with a toe board of around 150mm and intermediate rails so no gap exceeds 470mm (NASC TG20/SG4 industry guidance).

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.