Working at Height Training Courses

Courses Introduction The Law Ladders & Stepladders

An Introduction to Working at Height Safely

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines working at height as any task where a person could fall and injure themselves, whether it’s from a ladder, scaffold, roof edge, or even into an open excavation. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers are legally required to assess risks, plan and organise all work at height properly, and provide the right training to anyone involved. HSE places a strong emphasis on prevention and competence to reduce the risk of falls, which remain one of the most common causes of workplace fatalities.

Working at Height training courses are designed in line with HSE guidance to help employers and workers stay compliant and safe. These short courses cover essential topics such as risk assessments, equipment inspection, ladder safety, fall protection systems, and rescue planning. Suitable for construction workers, maintenance teams, warehouse staff, and more—these courses help ensure that anyone working at height understands their responsibilities and can carry out tasks safely and confidently.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005

The law surrounding working at height is governed by the Work at Height Regulations 2005, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). These regulations apply to all work where there is a risk of falling and potential injury, regardless of the height. Whether you're using ladders, scaffolding, platforms, or working near edges or fragile surfaces, the law requires that the work is properly planned, risk-assessed, and carried out by competent individuals.

Employers must take steps to avoid working at height where possible. If it can’t be avoided, they must ensure the work is done safely using the right equipment and fall protection systems. The law also requires regular inspection and maintenance of equipment, as well as clear emergency and rescue procedures. Failing to follow these regulations can result in legal action, fines, or serious injury. By completing Working at Height training, employees and supervisors gain the knowledge and awareness needed to comply with the law and reduce risks effectively.

Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), ladders and stepladders can be perfectly safe for low-risk, short-duration tasks—but only when used correctly. The HSE does not ban ladder use, but it stresses that they must only be used when a full risk assessment confirms that using more suitable access equipment (like scaffolding or mobile platforms) isn’t practical.

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers are responsible for ensuring that ladder work is properly planned, carried out by competent individuals, and supported by the right training. Ladders and stepladders must be in good condition, set up on stable, level ground, and secured where necessary. The HSE also advises using ladders only for work lasting 30 minutes or less, and always maintaining three points of contact for stability. Our Working at Height and Ladder Safety courses are designed to help workers and supervisors meet these standards and stay compliant with the law.