Working at Height Guidance Overhauled

The HSE has overhauled its guidance on Working at Height as part of the government’s long-term economic plan to abolish or improve outdated, burdensome or over-complicated regulations which waste businesses’ time and money.

The new guidance sets out in clear and simple terms what to do and what not to do and debunks common myths that can confuse and mislead employers.

Key changes include:

• providing simple advice about do’s and don’ts when working at height to ensure people are clear on what the law requires;
• busting some of the persistent myths about health and safety law, such as the banning of ladders when they can still be used;
• offering targeted advice to help business in different sectors manage serious risks sensibly and proportionately; and
• helping workers to be clearer about their own responsibilities for working safely.

More than a million British businesses and 10 million workers are estimated to carry out jobs involving some form of work at height every year. Falls are one of the biggest causes of death and serious injury at work.

The updated guidance can be viewed here.