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Certain heights are frequently mentioned when discussing fall risks. They mean different things and should not be confused.
Fall risk does not begin at 2 metres
There is no general rule stating that a fall risk only exists from a height of 2 metres.
The risk assessment must consider the actual risk of injury from falling.
Two metres does, however, have specific significance in construction and civil engineering work.
Where the fall height is 2 metres or more, specific requirements apply to how the fall risk must be prevented.
In practice
Assess the fall risk based on what a person can fall from or through, where the person could end up and the potential consequences of the fall – not simply on a particular height.
Fixed ladders higher than 6 metres
AFS 2023:12 states that:
A fixed ladder higher than 6 metres must have protection that prevents falls.
In an earlier provision containing the equivalent requirement, the Swedish Work Environment Authority indicated that one possible solution could be:
personal fall protection equipment with a guided type fall arrester on a rigid anchor line or rail in accordance with EN 353-1.
This is an example of a specific technical solution. The actual solution must still be appropriate for the ladder, workplace and intended use.
Sources
- AFS 2023:12, Chapter 6, Section 4
- Former AFS 2009:2, Section 59 and associated general guidance
Climbing over 13 metres
Thirteen metres is not a general threshold for when fall protection is required.
The figure relates instead to the requirements for medical examinations.
The employer must arrange a medical examination with an assessment for a certificate of fitness where the work involves:
- climbing with a difference in level of more than 13 metres,
- in a mast, pole, ladder, tree or similar,
- and there is a risk of the employee falling freely or uncontrollably or
- ending up in a situation where rescue is difficult.
In practice
Thirteen metres is a threshold for a specific medical examination requirement under defined conditions – not the height at which fall risk begins.
Summary
2 metres Not a general threshold for fall risk. It does, however, have specific significance in construction and civil engineering work.
6 metres A fixed ladder higher than 6 metres must have protection that prevents falls.
13 metres May trigger a requirement for a medical examination and certificate of fitness for certain climbing work involving a large difference in level and specified risk conditions.
Remember
Always assess the actual fall risk. A number never replaces the risk assessment.