2.1 Examine and assess the work

The risk assessment must be based on the actual work to be performed and the place where it will be carried out.

It is therefore not sufficient simply to state that someone will be “working at height”.

Consider, for example:

• Where is the fall hazard?
• Can the person reach or enter the fall hazard area?
• Could the person fall from an edge or through an opening?
• Is there a risk of a swing fall or impact with the structure?
• How will the person access and move to and from the work area?
• What could the consequences of a fall be?
• How are weather, the surface, working position and movement likely to affect the work?
• Are other activities or people affecting the situation?
• Does the person have the knowledge and capability required for the task?
• What happens if something goes wrong and the person cannot reach a safe place without assistance?

The risk assessment must therefore cover the entire task, not only the point where the work itself is carried out.

Assess the actual fall risk

An edge does not automatically create the same fall risk for everyone nearby.

One important question is whether the person can reach the edge or otherwise enter a position from which a fall can occur.

Likewise, even a relatively small difference in level may create a serious risk if the person could fall onto machinery, structures, sharp objects, traffic or other hazards.

Do not assess only how far the person could fall. Also consider where the person could end up and what they could strike during or after the fall.

The person is part of the risk assessment

The working method and protective measures must also work for the person performing the task.

Relevant factors may include:

• knowledge and experience,
• physical capability,
• working position and required movement,
• equipment and tools being handled,
• fatigue,
• time pressure,
• distractions or other simultaneous work.

Remember

Do not assess height alone. Assess where the person could end up, how the fall could occur and what the consequences could be.

Sources

• AFS 2023:1 – Systematic work environment management, particularly Sections 11 and 13
• AFS 2023:10 – Risks in the working environment, Chapter 4, protection against injury from falls