The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that anyone involved in organising, planning, or carrying out work at height must be competent. Competency means having the right combination of training, knowledge, and experience for the specific task. Untrained workers using unfamiliar access equipment or fall protection systems are at significantly higher risk of a fatal fall.
Key Hazards
Falls from height caused by incorrect use of unfamiliar access equipment
Harness failure from untrained workers selecting wrong anchor points
Scaffold collapse from unqualified alterations by non-scaffolders
MEWP incidents from operators without adequate platform training
Control Measures
Verify that every person working at height has received task-specific training before they start.
Ensure scaffold erectors hold a valid CISRS card at the appropriate level for the work.
Confirm MEWP operators have completed IPAF training for the specific platform category.
Provide harness and fall arrest training including correct anchor selection and self-rescue.
Ensure supervisors planning work at height understand the hierarchy of control and risk assessment.
Keep training records on site and check them before allowing workers onto height tasks.
Arrange refresher training at the intervals specified by the training provider or accreditation body.
Do not allow untrained workers to use any access equipment without direct supervision.
Brief all workers on the specific equipment and methods to be used before each height task.
Remember
Every person working at height must have task-specific training before starting the work
Scaffold erectors must hold a valid CISRS card and MEWP operators need IPAF certification
Harness users must be trained in correct anchor selection and self-rescue techniques
Check training records on site before allowing anyone onto work at height tasks
Untrained workers must not use access equipment without direct qualified supervision
Applicable Legislation: Work at Height Regulations 2005 (Regulation 5) · CDM 2015 · MHSWR 1999 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974