Working at height guidance overhauled29 January 2014

An overhaul of guidance on working at height has been launched as part of the government's long-term plan to abolish or improve outdated, burdensome or over-complicated regulations.

More than a million British businesses and 10 million workers are estimated to carry out jobs involving some form of work at height every year. Falls are one of the biggest causes of death and serious injury at work.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has overhauled its guidance for such activity, setting out what to do and what not to do – and debunking common myths that can confuse and mislead employers.

Key changes include providing simple advice about do's and don'ts when working at height to ensure people are clear on what the law requires and debunking myths about health and safety law, such as the banning of ladders when they can still be used.

The new guidance is also designed to help workers to be clearer about their own responsibilities for working safely.

HSE chair Judith Hackitt said: "Falls remain one of the biggest causes of serious workplace injury – with more than 40 people killed and 4,000 suffering major injuries every year.

"We have a sensible set of regulations and have been working with business to improve our guidance – making it simpler and clearer and dispelling some of the persistent myths about what the law requires.

"The result is advice that employers can count on to help them manage their businesses sensibly and proportionately."

Ian Vallely

Related Companies
Health & Safety Executive

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