Working at height Toolbox Talk
A fall from even a modest height can cause life-changing injury. Plan the work, avoid height where possible and use collective protection before personal protection.
Key points
- Avoid work at height by assembling or maintaining from ground level where reasonably practicable.
- Use an existing safe place or guarded platform before considering ladders or fall protection.
- Assess the task, height, duration, weather, fragile surfaces and falling-object risk.
- Select equipment for the work; do not choose it merely because it is available.
- Inspect access equipment before use and complete required recorded inspections.
- Protect people below with barriers, toe boards and controlled exclusion zones.
- Have a rescue plan wherever someone could be suspended or stranded.
Do
- Follow the task plan and equipment instructions.
- Stop if conditions or scope change.
- Report defects immediately.
Don't
- Do not work from unprotected edges.
- Do not improvise platforms from boxes or pallets.
- Do not rely on a harness without a rescue plan.
Questions to ask the group
- Can this task be done from ground level?
- What collective protection will prevent a fall?
- What is the rescue plan?
References: Work at Height Regulations 2005; HSE INDG401 The Work at Height Regulations 2005: A brief guide