Working at Height Risk Assessment

📘 Introduction

When you’re hanging off the side of a building or fixing a light bulb three meters off the ground, you’re not just working—you’re working at height. And whether you’re a construction worker, maintenance tech, or site manager, a fall from height is no joke.

That’s why a Working at Height Risk Assessment isn’t optional—it’s a must. It helps identify risks, control hazards, protect lives, and comply with legal requirements.

Let’s walk through exactly how to conduct one like a pro.

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📜 Legal Framework and Compliance

What Do the Laws Say?

Globally, different organizations and governments regulate work at height:

• OSHA (USA) – Fall protection required at elevations of 4 feet (general industry), 6 feet (construction), and any height above dangerous equipment.
• UK HSE – The Work at Height Regulations 2005 applies to all work at height where there is a risk of fall.
• India – Refer to Factories Act, IS 3696 Part I & II, and BOCW Act.
• ISO 45001:2018 – Emphasizes hazard identification and risk control.

Employer Duties Include:

• Planning and organizing all work at height.
• Providing proper equipment and PPE.
• Training workers and supervisors.
• Ensuring rescue plans are in place.

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⚠️ Common Hazards When Working at Height

Working at height hazards vary depending on the job, but the most common include:

• Falls from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, or vehicles.
• Falling objects like tools or materials.
• Fragile surfaces like skylights or asbestos roofs.
• Unsafe equipment (e.g., cracked ladders or loose scaffolds).
• Weather conditions like wind or rain.
• Poor lighting or visibility.

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🎯 Why Risk Assessment Is Non-Negotiable

Because you can’t prevent what you haven’t identified. A working at height risk assessment is a systematic approach to:

1. Spot hazards.
2. Evaluate risk levels.
3. Implement control measures.
4. Monitor outcomes.
5. Update plans when needed.

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🛠 The Hierarchy of Controls (From Most to Least Effective)

1. Elimination – Can you avoid working at height altogether?
2. Substitution – Can you use a safer method (e.g., extendable poles)?
3. Engineering Controls – Guardrails, scaffolds, toe boards.
4. Administrative Controls – Signage, shift rotation, permits.
5. PPE – Harness, helmet, lanyard, gloves.

Tip: PPE should always be your last resort, not your first line of defense.

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📝 Step-by-Step: How to Conduct a Working at Height Risk Assessment

1. Job Breakdown

Break the task into specific steps (e.g., setup, climbing, fixing, descending).

2. Identify Hazards

At each step, ask: “What could go wrong?” Consider objects, environment, equipment, and people.

3. Assess Risk Levels

Use a 5×5 matrix (next section) to determine the severity of each hazard.

4. Apply Controls

Use the hierarchy of control measures to mitigate identified risks.

5. Monitor and Review

Check the effectiveness of your controls. Review the assessment periodically or when conditions change.

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📊 Working at Height Risk Assessment Matrix (5×5)

🟩 Risk Matrix Chart

Severity ↓ / Likelihood →	Rare (1)	Unlikely (2)	Possible (3)	Likely (4)	Almost Certain (5)
Insignificant (1)	1	2	3	4	5
Minor (2)	2	4	6	8	10
Moderate (3)	3	6	9	12	15
Major (4)	4	8	12	16	20
Catastrophic (5)	5	10	15	20	25

• Low (1–3): Acceptable risk
• Medium (4–6): Take action before proceeding
• High (7–15): Take immediate action
• Extreme (16–25): Do not proceed

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📌 Sample Working at Height Risk Assessment Table

S.No	Activity	Hazard	Risk (L×S)	Risk Level	Control Measures	Responsible Person
1	Climbing ladder to fix light	Fall from ladder	4×4 = 16	High	Use non-slip shoes, inspect ladder, secure it, maintain 3-point contact	Supervisor
2	Scaffold erection	Collapse due to instability	3×5 = 15	High	Use trained erectors, certified components, daily checks	Scaffolding Team
3	Rooftop painting (MEWP)	Tip-over of platform	2×5 = 10	High	Level ground, use outriggers, only trained operator	MEWP Operator
4	Working near edge (roof)	Slipping or losing balance	3×4 = 12	High	Guardrails, fall arrest system, anchor point usage	Worker
5	Carrying tools at height	Dropped objects injuring people below	2×5 = 10	High	Tool lanyards, barricade the area, use tool pouch	All Workers
6	Electrical pole maintenance	Electrical shock	2×4 = 8	Medium	Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), insulated gloves, voltage detection pen	Electrician
7	Cleaning roof in rainy season	Wet surface causing slips	4×5 = 20	Extreme	Postpone task, use non-slip boots, install temporary guardrails, monitor weather	HSE Officer

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🏗 Equipment Safety: Ladders, Scaffolds, and MEWPs

• Ladders – Must be industrial-grade, non-conductive, inspected before use.
• Scaffolds – Should be erected/dismantled only by competent persons; guardrails are a must.
• MEWPs – Only trained personnel should operate; use outriggers and fall protection.

⚠ Reminder: Inspect all equipment before each shift and after any incident.

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🧯 Rescue Plan & Emergency Preparedness

A worker suspended in a harness can suffer suspension trauma within 15 minutes.

Rescue Plan Must Include:

• Who performs the rescue
• Type of rescue (lowering, raising, MEWP)
• Equipment needed (tripod, winch, stretcher)
• Emergency contact numbers

💡 Real Example:
In a warehouse, a painter slipped and hung mid-air. Rescue team lowered him in 4 minutes, thanks to a pre-planned mock drill.

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🎓 Training and Competency

• All workers must undergo working at height training.
• Supervisors should be trained in hazard recognition and rescue.
• Refreshers are required annually or after incidents.

Topics should include:

• Risk assessment basics
• PPE usage
• Emergency procedures
• Hands-on practice

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📋 Documentation and Records

• Risk Assessments – Task- and site-specific
• Permits to Work – Especially for high-risk or non-routine jobs
• Toolbox Talks – Before every shift
• Inspection Logs – For ladders, harnesses, scaffolds

Maintain digital or paper records for audits and investigations.

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❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying only on PPE
• Ignoring weather forecasts
• Not checking ladder footing or ground stability
• No rescue plan in place
• Using expired or damaged harnesses

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💡 Benefits of a Solid Risk Assessment

• Fewer injuries = Higher productivity
• Boosts worker morale
• Legal compliance & protection
• Easier insurance claims
• Improved safety culture

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✅ Conclusion

Don’t leave safety to chance.
When it comes to working at height, a fall can mean the difference between life and death. Risk assessments help you control what can be controlled—before the unthinkable happens.

Do it not just for compliance… but for your people, your peace of mind, and your professional reputation.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What height is considered “working at height”?

Anything above 2 meters (6.5 feet) is considered working at height. But even a fall from 1 meter can cause serious injury.

2. Is PPE enough protection for working at height?

No. PPE is the last line of defense, not a substitute for guardrails, safe access equipment, or proper planning.

3. Can I reuse risk assessments from another site?

Only if the tasks, equipment, and environment are identical. Otherwise, conduct a site-specific assessment.

4. How often should a risk assessment be reviewed?

Regularly, and especially after:

• Any incident or near-miss
• Change in work method
• New equipment or personnel

5. Is training mandatory before working at height?

Yes. Untrained personnel must never be allowed to work at height.

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