Working from Heights and ISO Standards

Working from height remains one of the most dangerous activities in the UK workforce, especially in construction, maintenance, telecommunications, warehousing, and utilities. Despite ongoing safety improvements, falls from height continue to be the leading cause of workplace fatalities and serious injuries each year.

For organisations that rely on elevated work, effective safety management isn’t optional, it’s essential. Compliance with health and safety law not only protects employees but also safeguards your company’s reputation, productivity, and financial stability.

In this article, we’ll explain:

How a proactive, ISO-aligned approach delivers real business value
What counts as “work at height”
The legal requirements for employers
How ISO standards, particularly ISO 45001, support compliance and accident prevention
The key safety measures every business should adopt

To get customised support specific to your organisation, please get in touch with us.

What Is Work at Height?

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), “work at height” means any activity where a person could fall and suffer injury.

This includes:

Working on ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops
Using MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) or cherry pickers
Working near fragile surfaces, ledges, or open edges
Tasks above ground level, such as warehouse racking or maintenance platforms

Essentially, if there’s a risk of falling, it’s work at height, and it must be properly managed.

The Risks of Working at Height

Despite awareness campaigns and improved training, falls from height remain a major hazard.
According to the HSE:

Falls from height accounted for 30% of all workplace fatalities in the UK in 2023/24.

The common causes include:

Unstable or poorly maintained equipment
Lack of guardrails or fall arrest systems
Inadequate supervision or training
Poor weather conditions and unsafe planning
Failure to assess risks before starting work

These incidents are preventable and that’s where structured management systems, like ISO 45001, play a vital role.

Legal Responsibilities Under UK Law

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 place clear duties on employers, contractors, and those in control of work at height activities. You must:

Avoid work at height wherever possible.
Use alternative methods such as extending tools or mechanical handling.
Plan and supervise all work at height.
Ensure work is properly organised and risk assessments are completed.
Use suitable equipment and protection.
Choose equipment based on task, environment, and duration of work.
Ensure worker competence.
Employees must receive adequate training, instruction, and supervision.
Maintain equipment.
Ladders, harnesses, scaffolding, and PPE must be regularly inspected and maintained.

Failure to comply can result in HSE enforcement action, including fines, prosecutions, and even imprisonment in severe cases, not to mention reputational and financial damage.

The Role of ISO Standards in Working at Height Safety

SO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems

ISO 45001 is the international standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S) management systems. It helps organisations systematically identify, control, and reduce workplace risks — including those associated with working at height.

An ISO 45001-certified business will:

Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for all work at height
Implement robust control measures (guardrails, PPE, rescue plans)
Establish training and competency programmes for staff
Monitor performance and investigate near misses or incidents
Commit to continuous improvement in health and safety performance

Benefits of ISO 45001 certification include:

Reduced workplace injuries and absences
Improved worker confidence and safety culture
Stronger compliance with HSE and legal requirements
Lower insurance premiums and legal risk
Enhanced reputation and eligibility for contracts

ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems

Although focused on quality, ISO 9001 also drives risk-based thinking and process control. Ensuring your suppliers and subcontractors meet consistent quality standards reduces the chance of equipment failure or safety defects at height.

ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems

ISO 14001 ensures environmental hazards are managed — including the risk of falling materials, debris, or pollutants during work at height. It supports safe disposal practices and protection of the environment during maintenance or construction activities.

Key Safety Measures for Working at Height

To align with both legal duties and ISO standards, organisations should integrate the following safety measures:

1. Comprehensive Risk Assessments

Evaluate each task, location, and condition. Consider:

Fall distances and surfaces below
Equipment stability and suitability
Worker competency and physical condition
Environmental conditions such as wind or rain

2. Training and Competence

Ensure every worker:

Understands the hazards and uses PPE correctly
Knows how to use fall arrest and restraint systems
Receives refresher training regularly
Is trained in emergency rescue procedures

3. Safe Equipment Management

Inspect ladders, scaffolds, MEWPs, and PPE before every use
Keep inspection records up to date
Only use equipment designed for the intended task

4. Method Statements and Permits to Work

Provide written method statements for complex or high-risk jobs.
For example:

Roofing work
Tower erection or dismantling
Maintenance on elevated plant or utilities

Ensure all permits are authorised and reviewed regularly.

5. Supervision and Monitoring

Appoint competent supervisors to oversee work.
Use monitoring tools or digital systems (aligned with ISO 45001 documentation requirements) to record incidents, near misses, and inspection results.

The Business Benefits of ISO-Aligned Safety Systems

Implementing ISO-based health and safety systems delivers tangible business value:

Reduced injuries and lost time
Improved legal compliance and reduced enforcement risk
Lower insurance premiums
Higher employee morale and retention
Greater client confidence and contract opportunities
Data-driven decision-making through structured monitoring and review

Companies certified to ISO 45001 demonstrate a commitment to safety and excellence, setting them apart from competitors.

Why Partner with Candy Management Consultants?

At Candy Management Consultants, we specialise in helping businesses of all sizes implement ISO 45001, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 management systems that go beyond compliance to create lasting safety improvements.

We offer:

Gap analysis and readiness assessments
Tailored documentation and implementation support
Internal auditor training and awareness workshops
Mock audits to prepare for certification
Ongoing support to maintain compliance year after year

Our consultants bring extensive experience in construction, engineering, logistics, and industrial sectors, ensuring practical and compliant solutions for work at height operations.

Final Thoughts

Working at height will always involve risk but it’s possible to control that risk effectively with structured management systems, strong leadership, and well-trained teams.

By aligning your safety practices with ISO 45001 and other relevant standards, you’re not only meeting legal obligations, you’re building a strong, proactive safety culture that protects your people and your business.

Stay safe. Stay compliant. Stay ahead.

Take the Next Step Toward Safer Operations

Candy Management Consultants can help you implement or upgrade your ISO 45001 Health and Safety Management System, ensuring you’re compliant, confident, and ready for certification.

✅ Free initial consultation
✅ 100% success rate for clients achieving certification
✅ Expert consultants with sector-specific experience

Contact us today to start your journey towards ISO 45001 certification and safer, more compliant work at height practices.