Work at Height Risk Assessment
A risk assessment for work at height is a formal process used to identify potential hazards, evaluate the likelihood of harm, and implement preventive measures to reduce or eliminate the risks.
Let’s start with the basics. “Work at height” refers to any work where a person could fall and injure themselves — this includes activities performed on ladders, scaffolds, rooftops, or platforms.
A risk assessment for work at height is a formal process used to identify potential hazards, evaluate the likelihood of harm, and implement preventive measures to reduce or eliminate the risks.
Legal Requirements and Standards
OSHA and Work at Height
In the U.S., OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandates strict fall protection standards under 29 CFR 1926.501. Employers are legally obligated to provide fall protection systems for work at heights over 6 feet in the construction industry.
UK Work at Height Regulations 2005
These regulations place a legal duty on employers to ensure all work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent people. It emphasizes the “avoid – prevent – minimize” strategy.
Indian Standards and International Best Practices
In India, IS Code 3696 (Part 1) provides safety guidance on working at heights. Globally recognized practices like ISO 45001 and guidelines from IOSH and NEBOSH further support safe practices.
Common Work at Height Activities
Scaffolding
Temporary platforms used widely in construction; improperly erected scaffolds are a major cause of accidents.
Ladder Use
Ladders are handy but risky. Falls due to improper angle or unsecured placement are common.
Roof Work
Fragile roofs and lack of edge protection make roof tasks particularly hazardous.
Use of Aerial Lifts and Platforms
MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) require proper training and harness use.
Key Hazards of Working at Height
Falls from Height
The #1 cause of death in construction sites globally. Poor edge protection, no harness, or sudden slips can be fatal.
Falling Objects
Tools or materials dropped from above pose serious risks to people working below.
Fragile Roofs and Surfaces
Materials like skylights and fiber sheets can break under weight, causing workers to fall through.
Slips, Trips, and Weather Hazards
Rain, wind, or even dusty surfaces increase the chance of losing balance.
Components of a Work at Height Risk Assessment
Step 1 – Identify the Hazards
Look around: Are people working on ladders, roofs, or platforms? Is there a risk of falling?
Step 2 – Decide Who Might Be Harmed
Think beyond just the person working at height — what about coworkers below?
Step 3 – Evaluate the Risks and Decide on Precautions
Is there edge protection? Is a harness available and used correctly?
Step 4 – Record the Findings and Implement Them
Documentation helps track risk controls and holds everyone accountable.
Step 5 – Review and Update Regularly
Don’t file it and forget it! Review after incidents or whenever site conditions change.
Risk Control Measures
Use of Fall Protection Equipment
Harnesses, lanyards, shock absorbers, and lifelines must be regularly inspected and used correctly.
Guardrails and Toe Boards
Guardrails prevent falls, while toe boards stop tools or materials from falling.
Training and Supervision
Untrained workers are high-risk. Provide toolbox talks, practical training, and daily supervision.
Emergency Rescue Plans
Have a Plan B — if someone falls and is suspended in a harness, how will they be rescued safely?
Hierarchy of Controls in Work at Height
1. Eliminate the Hazard
Can the task be done from the ground with a pole or drone?
2. Substitute the Task
Use safer alternatives — like telescopic tools instead of ladders.
3. Engineering Controls
Install fixed platforms, walkways, and guardrails.
4. Administrative Controls
Restrict work during bad weather or allow only certified personnel to access height areas.
5. PPE
Last line of defense. Always ensure it’s the right type and properly fitted.
Safety Tips for Working at Height
Pre-Work Checks
Always inspect equipment before use. Is the harness intact? Are the lanyards frayed?
Weather Conditions
Avoid working at height during strong winds or rain. Wet surfaces are deadly.
Communication on Site
Use radios or hand signals to stay connected, especially during lifting operations or rescue events.
Work at Height Risk Assessment Template
Sample Format and Fields
- Task Description
- Location
- Hazard Identification
- Risk Rating (before control)
- Control Measures
- Risk Rating (after control)
- Person Responsible
- Review Date
How to Use the Template in Daily Operations
Print and fill before the job starts. Assign roles. Keep it updated. Don’t just file it — follow it.
Work at Height – Risk Assessment
General Information
- Project/Site Name: ABC Construction Site – Block B
- Assessment Title: Work at Height Risk Assessment
- Location: Roof Work – 5th Floor Slab
- Assessed By: Mahendra Lanjewar (Safety Officer)
- Assessment Date: 01 July 2025
- Review Date: 01 October 2025
- Activity Description: Roof edge work for HVAC duct installation on a 5-story commercial building.
Work at Height Risk Assessment Table
| Task | Hazards Identified | Persons at Risk | Risk Rating (Before Control) | Control Measures | Risk Rating (After Control) | Responsible Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Accessing roof edge to install ducts | Fall from height due to lack of edge protection | Workers at height | High | – Install guardrails and toe boards along edge – Use full-body harness and lanyards connected to lifeline – Access only via fixed scaffolding or secure ladders | Low | Site Engineer / Safety Officer |
| 2. Use of ladder to access roof | Slipping/falling due to unstable ladder or incorrect use | Workers using ladders | Medium | – Only trained personnel to use ladders – Inspect ladder before use – Secure ladder at top and bottom – Maintain 3-point contact | Low | Supervisor |
| 3. Tools/materials falling from height | Injury to workers below | Ground workers, bystanders | High | – Use tool lanyards – Place barricades and signage below work area – Restrict access underneath work zone – Use toe boards on scaffold | Low | Safety Officer |
| 4. Windy or rainy weather conditions | Loss of balance or slipping on wet surface | Workers at height | High | – Monitor weather conditions – Suspend work during high wind/rain – Use anti-slip mats if needed | Low | Project Manager |
| 5. Inadequate emergency response | Delay in rescuing fallen or suspended worker | Worker in harness | High | – Develop rescue plan – Keep rescue equipment (tripod, ropes, stretcher) ready – Conduct drill before starting work | Medium | Safety Officer / First Aider |
Risk Rating Matrix
| Severity | Likelihood | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Minor injury | 1 – Unlikely | Low |
| 2 – Lost time injury | 2 – Possible | Medium |
| 3 – Major/fatal injury | 3 – Likely | High |
Note: Risk rating = Severity × Likelihood
Additional Notes
- Training Provided: All workers trained on fall protection and safe ladder usage.
- PPE Required: Full-body harness, helmet with chin strap, gloves, non-slip safety boots.
- Permit to Work: Required before starting any work above 2 meters.
- Signage and Barricading: Mandatory around fall zones and below the working area.
Review and Sign-Off
| Name | Designation | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rupesh Wasnik | Safety Officer | [Signature] | 01-07-2025 |
| Rakesh Kumar | Project Manager | [Signature] | 01-07-2025 |
| Manoj Yadav | Site Engineer | [Signature] | 01-07-2025 |
Conclusion
Working at height doesn’t have to be dangerous — if planned right. A well-done risk assessment is more than paperwork — it’s your frontline defense against fatal falls and workplace tragedies. Whether you’re a safety officer, supervisor, or worker, take this seriously. Check. Plan. Protect. Everyone deserves to go home safe.
4 Steps of Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
Risk Management 101: Conducting Effective Risk Assessments
Risk Matrix vs Risk Assessment: What’s the Difference?
How to Create an Effective Risk Matrix for Your Workplace
What is a Risk Matrix? A Beginner’s Guide
FAQs
1. What is the minimum height considered “work at height”?
In most regulations, any height where a person could fall and injure themselves — typically above 2 meters (6 feet) — is considered work at height.
2. Who should carry out a work at height risk assessment?
A competent person — usually a trained safety officer or supervisor with experience and knowledge about the task.
3. Is PPE enough for working at height?
No. PPE is the last line of defense. Risk elimination, engineering controls, and safe procedures must come first.
4. How often should risk assessments be reviewed?
Regularly — especially after an incident, or when site conditions or tasks change.
5. What’s the most common cause of accidents when working at height?
Human error — usually due to poor planning, lack of training, or misuse of equipment.
