Working At Height Regulations

A practical guide for contractors, site managers and tradespeople covering legal responsibilities, HSE expectations and site safety best practice

At A Glance

  • Understand when the Work at Height Regulations apply
  • Review contractor responsibilities and HSE expectations
  • Identify common compliance failures
  • Reduce the likelihood of accidents and enforcement action
  • Improve site safety management procedures

Quick Facts

Regulation WAHR 2005
Applies To Contractors
Regulator HSE
Key Risk Falls From Height
Updated July 2026

Regulation

WAHR 2005

Applies To

Contractors

Regulator

HSE

Key Risk

Falls From Height

⚠ HSE Enforcement Reminder

Working at height remains one of the leading causes of fatal and major injuries within construction and continues to be a significant area of HSE enforcement activity.

🛡 Why This Matters

A single fall can result in serious injury, project delays, HSE investigations, increased insurance premiums and significant reputational damage.

✅ Working At Height Compliance Checklist

Before commencing work at height, contractors should ensure the following controls have been considered and implemented where appropriate.

✅ Can the work be completed safely from ground level?

✅ Have workers received suitable training?

✅ Has a risk assessment been completed?

✅ Has the work area been surveyed for hazards?

✅ Are overhead power lines identified?

✅ Have emergency arrangements been prepared?

✅ Is a competent person supervising the work?

✅ Are risks from falling objects controlled?

✅ Suitable access equipment selected

✅ Access ladders inspected before use

✅ Work platforms and guardrails installed

✅ Fragile surfaces identified and protected

✅ Fall arrest systems considered where required

✅ Area below works cordoned off if necessary

✅ Equipment inspections recorded

✅ Weather conditions reviewed before work begins