Working at Height Hierarchy of Control

• Always consider whether the task can be done without working at height.
• Follow the hierarchy in order: avoid, prevent, then mitigate fall risks.
• Use guardrails and working platforms as the first choice for fall prevention.
• Record your hierarchy assessment in the task risk assessment document.
• Consider ground-level assembly and lifting into position where practicable.
• Select collective protection such as scaffolds over personal fall protection.
• Ensure all access equipment is suitable for the task duration and conditions.
• Review the hierarchy again if site conditions or the task scope change.
• Provide training so all workers understand why the hierarchy matters.
• Challenge any plan that jumps straight to harnesses without justification.

• DON'T default to harnesses when guardrails or platforms are reasonably practicable.
• DON'T skip the hierarchy and choose access equipment based on speed alone.
• DON'T assume a risk assessment from a previous project covers this task.
• DON'T ignore the option to avoid height work through design or planning.
• DON'T use ladders for tasks that could be done from a scaffold.
• DON'T treat personal fall protection as equivalent to collective edge protection.
• DON'T allow work at height without a documented risk assessment in place.
• DON'T continue with an outdated plan if site conditions have changed.
• DON'T rely on operative experience as a substitute for proper fall prevention.
• DON'T forget that the hierarchy applies to every height task, however brief.

See also: Falls From Height Awareness | Edge Protection Requirements