Legal Compliance. Reduced Risk. Confident People.
Working at height is a routine requirement across construction, facilities management, manufacturing, logistics, and maintenance operations throughout the UK. It is also one of the highest-risk workplace activities and remains the leading cause of fatal and serious injuries at work.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), place clear legal duties on employers, duty holders, and those who control work activities. Compliance is not optional—and failure to meet these requirements can result in enforcement action, fines, downtime, civil claims, and serious harm to workers.
BV Associates Ltd provides practical Working at Height Awareness Training designed to help organisations meet their legal obligations while materially reducing risk.
What Is Considered Working at Height?
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to any work activity where a fall could cause personal injury. This includes work carried out:
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On roofs, fragile surfaces, or skylights
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Using ladders or step-ladders
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From scaffolding or temporary working platforms
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On MEWPs and podium steps
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Near open edges, floor voids, or pits
There is no minimum height. The outdated “two-metre rule” no longer applies. If a fall could cause injury, the regulations apply—regardless of distance.
Employer Responsibilities Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005
Employers and duty holders must ensure all work at height is:
Properly Risk Assessed
Every task requires a specific working at height risk assessment that identifies hazards such as fragile surfaces, unstable equipment, falling objects, and environmental conditions.
Planned Using the Hierarchy of Control
The regulations require employers to:
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Avoid work at height where reasonably practicable
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Prevent falls using collective protection (e.g. guardrails, working platforms)
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Minimise consequences using fall mitigation measures where risks remain
Personal protective equipment is a last line of defence, not a planning solution.
Carried Out by Competent Persons
Anyone involved in working at height must have appropriate training, knowledge, and experience to perform the task safely.
Supported by Suitable Work Equipment
All equipment—ladders, platforms, harnesses, anchor points—must be:
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Suitable for the task
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Properly installed
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Inspected and maintained
Controlled on Fragile Surfaces
Falls through fragile roofs and skylights remain a leading cause of fatalities. These risks must be clearly identified and controlled.
Non-compliance exposes organisations to HSE enforcement, prosecution, reputational damage, and injury claims. Effective training is one of the most reliable controls available.
100%
Pass Rate
In-house (face-to-face) – 1 Day £1600 +VAT for up to 12 learners:
- Our courses delivered on your premises face-to-face with your staff
- Instructor led training
- We will tailor the course around your place of work
- Pay for 10, train up to 12
Learning outcomes
This course raises awareness of how to reduce the risks associated with working at height and how to comply with UK legislation. The focus is on practical understanding, not box-ticking.
Call us on 01494 864100
Why choose BV Associates?
Learning Delivery
NB. There is a minimum requirement of 8 or more learners for in-house delivery.
Who is this course for?
Course duration
3 hours.
Certification / Exams
This is a non-accredited awareness course.
A Certificate of Completion is issued to learners who successfully complete the assessment.
What are the benefits for employers?
If you are the owner or employer of an office or shop, you are required by law to implement suitable fire safety measures. You must make sure your building is up to code before people visit it, or begin work in it. You should understand what duties you must fulfil to ensure your building meets suitable safety standards.
Call 01494 864100 for more information.
