What Do the Regulations Say About Work Involving Fall Hazards?

Work involving a risk of accidents, such as falls from height, is primarily governed by occupational health and safety legislation and related regulations. These requirements place a duty on employers to plan, organise and manage work activities in a way that prevents falls and other workplace accidents.

Occupational health and safety regulations also specify that where there is a risk of falling to a lower level and the fall height is two metres or more, employers must take measures to prevent falls. In such cases, a documented plan describing how risks will be managed is also required.

Under occupational health and safety legislation, employers are responsible for ensuring a safe working environment and protecting workers from accidents and injury.

This includes a responsibility to:

• Identify and assess workplace hazards and risks.
• Plan work activities to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Implement protective measures wherever fall hazards exist.

The legislation also requires work to be organised so that it can be carried out safely.

In practice, this means that employers must take all necessary steps to prevent falls, including conducting risk assessments, implementing safe systems of work and providing appropriate collective and personal protective measures.

In addition to occupational health and safety legislation, more detailed requirements are set out in applicable regulations. These regulations describe how risk assessments should be carried out, what protective measures should be used, and the requirements that apply to work equipment and personal protective equipment.

• Occupational Health and Safety Legislation: Structure and Principles

Further Reading

The following articles provide more detailed information about legal requirements related to work at height and fall protection:

• Work Equipment and Personal Fall Protection Equipment
• Specific Requirements for Work Involving Fall Hazards