Short Answer: There are no legal requirements for at what height a safety harness is required, but the HSE does instruct that suitable fall protection should be implemented in any work environment where there is a risk of falling from a height of 2 metres or higher. 

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Fall protection for roofers

Fall protection for roofers is incredibly important, because the biggest risk that roofers face is falling from height. Fortunately, there are several ways to control this risk and protect workers during roof work.

If working on a roof is unavoidable, roofers must be provided with safe access to the roof level (via ladders, scaffolding, etc.) and a safe means of working, i.e. proper fall protection equipment such as a safety harness. More...

Working at height risk assessment

 

According to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), in order to manage risk when working at height, you or an appointed competent person must complete the following steps:

  • Carry out a working at height risk assessment
  • Identify relevant precautions
  • Produce a method statement

Let’s take a closer look at those three steps…

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are safety harnesses required on scissor lifts?

Short answer: no, you aren’t legally required to wear a harness when working on a scissor lift. However, it is recommended.

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what does a fall from height mean

 

What does working at height mean?

Working at height means work where a person could fall from one level to another resulting in an injury, if precautions are not taken. For example, if you are working on a ladder or a work platform, you are usually working at height.

Falls from height are among the leading causes of injury and fatalities at work. Those who work on ladders and fragile surfaces are especially at risk. This is why work at height is subject to so many rules and regulations.

However, this doesn't mean you have to be on top of a skyscraper to be working at height. Many of the same rules apply even when you're only a few inches off the ground. The meaning of working at height is that you are working on a raised level, but the height of the level can differ.

To discover more about this definition of working at height, read the Health and Safety Executive's resources.

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