According to the HSE’s guidance, work at height must be “properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people”. Does this mean that at least one other person must be present during all work at height? Or is it OK for a competent individual to work unsupervised in certain cases? Keep reading this blog to find out!
HSE Guidance on Working at Height Alone
The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not explicitly prohibit working at height alone, however, sets strict guidelines to ensure it is done safely.
The HSE emphasises that a risk assessment that includes specific considerations for lone working must be carried out. This risk assessment must consider:
- The nature of the task
- The height involved
- The duration and complexity of the work
- The experience and training of the worker
- Access to emergency help
- Communication methods, such as radios or regular check-ins
If a worker is tasked to work at height alone, the employer must:
- Ensure the task is low risk enough to be done alone
- Make sure the worker is competent and properly trained
- Make sure the worker is physically fit
- Have an emergency rescue plan in place
- Consider using a lone worker monitoring system
- Ensure there is a reliable means of communication established
The HSE also state that high-risk activities like working on fragile surfaces and roofs, operating mobile elevated work platforms MEWPs are not suitable for lone working.
So, while working at height alone is not banned, it should be avoided where possible and always carefully risk-assessed and planned.
If you have any more questions regarding work at height, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Safety Harness Direct and a member of our team will be happy to help!
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