Hierarchy of Control Measures: Working at Height
Hierarchy Altus Safety
In the UK, there are around 5,000 falls when working at height every year. From slipping off a ladder to stumbling down the stairs, these environments are full of potential risks that - with the right solutions in place - can be avoided. That’s where we come in.
At Altus, we take safety seriously. It’s our mission to ensure every team member working at height has access to the right safety equipment and the knowledge to use it correctly, and that all starts with top-tier management.
That’s why we want to introduce you to the Hierarchy of Control Measures. This is a simple breakdown of key steps that managers, supervisors, and employers can take to prevent injuries when working at height.
To learn more, we’ve taken a look a look at the working at height Hierarchy of Control Measures in closer detail. Explore each eight levels in this easy-to-understand guide.
Working at Height Hierarchy of Control Measures
The Hierarchy of Control Measures was introduced in the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
The aim of the working at height hierarchy is to provide clear safety measures in order of priority, minimising the chance of risk when accessing relevant sites (such as scaffolding or building roofs) and offering guidance on the correct fall protection systems.
The measures apply to anyone whose job requires them to work at height or who manages sites where working at heights occurs. The eight levels the hierarchy outlines are:
Avoid working at height where possible
Prevent falls through the existing worksite
Prevent falls by using and testing collective fall equipment
Prevent falls by using and testing personal protective equipment (PPE)
Minimise the distance of potential falls
Ensure the working environment is safe
Minimise the consequences of falls
Prevent falls by implementing correct training
We’ll take a look at what each of these levels means in closer detail throughout the article.
Level 1: Avoid Working at Height
Working at height should be avoided whenever possible. If there’s an alternative solution to accessing the site, it should always be taken by using extension tools. This safety guidance also includes removing the use of ladders when unnecessary and instead using an appropriate tool.
A key example of avoiding working at heights is the use of window cleaning tools. Rather than using a ladder or trying to access high windows through the site itself, many window cleaners now use extendable poles. This allows them to remain on the ground, drastically reducing the risks involved with the work while still cleaning the glass effectively.
If an item needs to be repaired at height, it should also be assessed to see if it can be lowered to the ground using a davit arm or other crane.
By avoiding working at height, these control measures aim to completely remove the risk of falls and injuries when unnecessary. Though this isn’t always possible, it’s smart to view the project from every angle before committing to working at height.
Level 2: Prevent Falls Through the Existing Workplace
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Occasionally, working at height is unavoidable. In these cases, you should first utilise any safety measures already in place at the site that are designed to prevent falls. For example, if there’s a fragile surface, check to see if there’s a more solid structure to stand on before proceeding.
Level 3: Preventing Falls Through Collective Fall Equipment
Collective fall equipment includes any solutions that protect everyone accessing the site, keeping multiple people safe at once. When properly installed it doesn’t require any specialist training to use.
Key examples of equipment to fulfil level 3 of the working at height control measures include guardrails and skylight protection. With around 9 people killed every year from falling through skylights and fragile roofs, these collective fall equipment solutions are essential to improving safety.
Collective equipment can reduce the need for individual equipment, such as harnesses, which often restrict workers and make the site harder to access.
It’s important to follow regulations on the testing of collective fall equipment. Guardrail safety testing, for example, should be carried out at least once every 12 months in line with BS 13700:2021 and PUWER 1998 standards.
Level 4: Preventing Falls Through PPE
PPE involves using equipment such as horizontal lifeline systems, eyebolts, and harnesses to prevent falls following level 4 of the working at height hierarchy of control measures. These can be either temporary or permanent and usually require specialised knowledge of how to use them to ensure safety.
It’s also important to maintain and test PPE regularly. Eyebolts and anchor points, for example, should be tested every 6 months in accordance with BS EN 795 and BS 7883 2019 standards.
Level 5: Minimising the Distance of Falls
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Unfortunately, in some circumstances, the prevention of falls is not possible – this is where level five of the working at height control measures comes in.
Minimising distance through collective equipment means implementing equipment such as safety netting or the inflatable bags pictured above to reduce the space from which workers could fall. Additionally, this equipment reduces the impact of the fall as it cushions the workers, preventing them from injuries.
You should also use personal protective equipment to keep employees and workers safe in the instance of a fall. Equipment such as a fall arrest system or harnesses are commonly used in these situations to reduce the distance.
Level 6: Ensure the Working Environment is Safe
The working at height hierarchy of control also outlines the necessity to ensure the working environment is safe. This includes fall protection measures and equipment testing but also takes into account factors such as:
Weather conditions (rain, wind, fog, and ice can all make working at height unsafe)
Potentially hazardous objects in the area (including power lines)
It’s vital, for example, that there are lightning protection systems in place before working on a site. Anti-slip walkways are also a smart solution to prevent falls due to adverse weather conditions.
Level 7: Minimising Consequences Through Instruction and Training
Everyone working at height should be aware of the risks before commencing any tasks and should have the proper training to reduce risk.
This includes being educated on correctly assembling any equipment and knowing all safety guidelines for working at height. Any supervisors on site should also be trained to help others in the event of an emergency.
Level 8: Plan for Emergencies and Rescues
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The last level of the working at height control measures hierarchy is to create a plan if a fall does occur. Even with training and equipment in place, injuries are never 100% unavoidable, and it’s vital that your team knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
This should include having appropriate equipment on-site, such as a first-aid kit and rescue equipment, along with clear guidance on how to use it.
Implementing the Working at Height Control Measures
When working at height, the Hierarchy of Control Measures is designed to keep employees safe. With a good understanding of each level and a thorough knowledge of how to implement each measure, you can be better prepared when working at heights and improve the safety of all on-site staff.
At Altus Safety, we provide a wide range of fall protection solutions for those working at heights in England, Scotland, and Wales. We also provide compliant testing, keeping your safety systems up to scratch. Check out Altus 360 for a full-service solution to tick every one of the working at heights control measures.
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