WAH/General/TBT-WAH-034
Supervision Requirements for Height Work
Working at Height › General › Supervision Requirements for Height Work
Toolbox Talk
Supervision Requirements for Height Work
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that work at height is properly supervised. The level of supervision must match the complexity and risk of the task. Inadequate supervision has been a contributing factor in many fatal falls on UK construction sites. This talk explains the supervision standards expected during work at height and the role supervisors play in keeping people safe.
Key Hazards
Falls from height when workers are left unsupervised on unfamiliar tasks
Incorrect use of access equipment without competent guidance nearby
Workers bypassing fall protection systems when no supervisor is present
Changing conditions not identified because no supervisor is monitoring
Control Measures
- Assign a competent supervisor for all work at height activities on site.
- Ensure the supervisor is present during high-risk tasks such as leading edge and roof work.
- Verify that all workers understand the risk assessment and method statement before starting.
- Monitor compliance with fall protection requirements throughout the task.
- Check that access equipment is being used correctly and within its limitations.
- Intervene immediately if unsafe practices are observed during height work.
- Review weather conditions regularly and make the decision to stop work when necessary.
- Ensure rescue equipment is in position and the rescue plan is understood by the team.
- Record supervision activities and any corrective actions in the site safety log.
Remember
- A competent supervisor must be assigned for all work at height activities
- The supervisor must be present during high-risk height tasks such as roof and edge work
- Monitor compliance with fall protection and access equipment use throughout the shift
- Intervene immediately when unsafe practices are observed during any height work
- Check weather conditions regularly and stop work when conditions become unsafe
Applicable Legislation: Work at Height Regulations 2005 (Regulation 5) · CDM 2015 · MHSWR 1999 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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