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When you’re browsing the web for lifting equipment, you will come across the terms ‘working load limit’ and ‘safe working load’ quite frequently. So what exactly do these terms mean—are they just two different names for the same thing, or is there a difference between them? Read on to find out…

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If you work at height, you'll know that safety is a top priority. Working at height is the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry, and this is no surprise with workers commonly working on rooftops, ladders, and fragile surfaces.

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) have working at height regulations that must be adhered to for safety when working at height. These regulations are not only to help individuals understand what they can do to help protect themselves, but also to alert employers to the responsibilities they have for their employees.

This working at height guide should help explain the official UK working at height regulations and responsibilities, whether you're an employer looking to take the necessary steps or an employee who wants to know their rights are being followed. 

How to comply with working at height regulations

There are a number of regulations that apply to working at height, many of which concern how an employer is responsible (to a reasonable extent) for their employee's safety when working at height.

  Employers who are planning the work must be sure to:

• Avoid setting jobs that involve working at a dangerous height when possible

• Ensure that employees are instructed and trained to work at height

• Ensure the work is planned, organised and supervised at all times

• Control and assess the risk of injury

• Take weather conditions into account each time working at height needs to be done

• Check that all equipment for working at height is checked and inspected

• Take precautions that minimise the risk of falling objects

What must employees do to appropriately follow working at height regulations?

Of course, employers can't control everything - there is a level of responsibility the employee has to ensure their own safety. For that reason, employees must ensure that:

• They comply with the Working at Height Regulations

• They are not under the influence of any intoxicant which could lead them to become a danger to themselves or others at work

• They use the appropriate PPE and tools

• They report any known dangers in the workplace such as defective equipment that may become a health and safety risk

• They behave in a responsible manner to protect the health and safety of themselves and others

• They utilise the working at height safety training provided by the employer

How to carry out a working at height risk assessment

Regulations state that a risk assessment must be carried out before any working at height takes place. This a full examination of the factors that could cause harm in the workplace so that the correct precautions can be carried out.

A competent working at height risk assessment will involve:

• Identifying the potential hazards

• Identifying who may be harmed and how

• Evaluate all known potential risks

• A detailed record of all the potential hazards

It is illegal to work at height until a risk assessment has been carried out. It is only following this assessment that an employer can review and update how they have taken steps to minimise or reduce these risks.

How do you plan a working at height rescue plan?

Even if you have taken all the necessary precautions that are legally required and have adhered to all working at height regulations, it's impossible to account for every possibility. This is why it is so important that a working at height rescue plan is in place in case of an accident or injury.

If you are creating a working at height rescue plan you must consider:

• What is the anchor point for all safety equipment?

• Will the rescuers be putting themselves in danger when carrying out the plan?

• How will the rescuers move those in need once they are reached?

• Is the safety equipment the individual was using still intact/safe?

• How will the individual be attached to the rescue kit?

What equipment should be provided to employees working at height?

There is a wide range of equipment that can help prevent an individual from getting injured whilst working at height. We make it our business to supply the equipment that is needed in this working condition. Take a look at our full range of working at height safety equipment, or see our list below of vital equipment we recommend you think about when preparing your team to work at height:

Harnesses                       Height Safety Kits              Fall Protection Equipment

If you would like any advice on what equipment best suits your working at height plan, feel free to get in touch.

Read More: What Does 'What Does ‘Working at Height’ Mean?