Working at Height Risk Assessment & Method Statement

Working at height remains the biggest cause of fatalities in construction. This activity-specific RAMS covers all aspects of safe working at height.

Any work where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury is classified as working at height under the Work at Height Regulations 2005. This includes work at ground level with risk of falling into an opening or fragile surface.

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Key Hazards

⚠️Falls from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs
⚠️Falls through fragile surfaces
⚠️Falling objects striking persons below
⚠️Overreaching or loss of balance
⚠️Equipment failure or misuse
⚠️Adverse weather conditions
⚠️Inadequate edge protection
⚠️Improper access/egress

Control Measures

✓Avoid working at height where possible
✓Use collective fall protection (scaffolds, edge protection) in preference to personal protection
✓Ensure all equipment is suitable, inspected, and maintained
✓Competent person to plan, supervise, and conduct work
✓Weather monitoring - cease work in high winds or ice
✓Create exclusion zones to protect persons below
✓Emergency rescue procedures in place
✓Toolbox talks and method statement briefings

PPE Requirements

  • 🛡️Safety harness and energy-absorbing lanyard (where fall arrest required)
  • 🛡️Hard hat with chin strap
  • 🛡️Safety footwear with ankle support
  • 🛡️High-visibility clothing
  • 🛡️Tool tethers to prevent dropped objects
  • 🛡️Gloves suitable for task
  • 🛡️Weather-appropriate clothing

Legal Requirements

  • 📋Work at Height Regulations 2005
  • 📋Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • 📋Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
  • 📋Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
  • 📋Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

Step-by-Step Method

1. Conduct site-specific risk assessment
2. Plan work to minimize time at height
3. Select appropriate access equipment
4. Inspect all equipment before use
5. Set up exclusion zones and warning signs
6. Brief all workers on method and risks
7. Ensure rescue equipment and procedures ready
8. Monitor weather conditions
9. Supervisor to check setup before work commences
10. Maintain communication throughout work
11. Remove equipment safely on completion
12. Debrief and record any incidents or near misses

Emergency Procedures

• Stop work immediately if unsafe conditions develop
• In case of fall arrest: implement rescue within 6 minutes to prevent suspension trauma
• Emergency contact: Site supervisor [phone], First aider [phone], Emergency services 999
• Do not attempt rescue without proper training and equipment
• Preserve scene for investigation if accident occurs
• Report all incidents under RIDDOR if applicable