What are the specific risks for working at height?

Maintenance works and emergency property repairs at height increases the risk of fall from height for staff, contractors and others who may be in the vicinity of the works.

‘Work at height’ means any workplace where a person could fall a distance leading to a personal injury. Examples include working on a ladder of flat roof, the risk of falling through a fragile surface or an opening in a floor or hole in the ground.

Where a work activity presents a risk of a fall from a risk assessment must be prepared, and potentially dependent on the activity being undertaken, the issue of a Permit to Work to ensure the working area is safe for the workers and others using the area.

Wherever possible work at height should be avoided by using alternative means to gain access to the work area which are already safe, for example scaffolds, flat roofs with edge protection, or extendable equipment that can reach height.

If the risk assessment determines that a ladder is the most appropriate equipment to use for the task, then the correct type of ladder for the activity should be used, the user should be competent to set up and use the ladder and understand the risks from the use of the ladder.

Guidance on work at height is provided in the University of Northampton's Work at Height Policy and the Health and Safety Executive Working at Height brief guide

There is also a homepage that lists the range of Health and Safety risks identified as relevant to the University's activities and facilities, together with information on the University's policies and arrangements on how these risks are to be managed and controlled.