Toolbox talk · General site safety · about 5 minutes
Working at height
Download the PDF with attendance sheet
Why it matters
Falls from height are one of the biggest causes of death and serious injury in construction. A fall from a low height can still kill. Every job at height must be planned before anyone goes up.
The hazards
- Falling from edges, openings and fragile surfaces
- Falling through roof lights and fragile roofs
- Unsuitable or poorly set-up access equipment
- Objects falling onto people below
- Bad weather, wind and wet or icy surfaces
Stay safe
- Avoid work at height if the job can be done from the ground
- Use the right equipment for the job: a working platform with guardrails is better than a ladder
- Check guardrails, toe boards and edge protection are in place before you start
- Never remove edge protection without permission, and replace it straight away
- Cover and mark holes and openings, and fix covers so they can't move
- Keep platforms clear of loose materials and tie tools when there is a risk of dropping them
- Use a harness only if you have been trained, and clip on to the right anchor point
- Stop work and report it if anything looks unsafe
Ask the team
- Where on this site could someone fall today?
- What would you do if you found an uncovered opening?
- Who is trained to use a harness, and where are the anchor points?
The law and guidance
Work at Height Regulations 2005. HSE INDG401, Working at height: a brief guide.
General guidance to help you give a toolbox talk. It doesn't replace your site's risk assessments, method statements, permits or training. Check it against your own site rules before you give it.