The quote below is from one of my Senior Managers - Quote - Is there a definition of when a task begins to be deemed as ‘working at height’? From what I can find it is when you physically are capable of falling from one floor level to another. Example: Working outside on a window that is at the equivalent of the first floor inside, and being able to fall all the way to the ground floor. I think it would help to include something in the RA/Policy that highlights this so that the ‘myths’ do not start to get in the way, such as can’t use a ladder. We already have a situation where no-one but maintenance is allowed to use a ladder as they are trained, even though this is not true within HSE. It does not take long for myths to become hard facts, so anywhere that we can include clear definitions would be really helpful when it comes to H&S". - Unquote I believe this quote from one of my senior managers is totally wrong. Anyone know of a definition, please? Indeed does the HSE have one? Or is it like a lot of legislation, best practice, Code of Practice and procedures down to recommendation and interpretation? Thanks

From the regulations “work at height” means— (a)work in any place, including a place at or below ground level; (b)obtaining access to or egress from such place while at work, except by a staircase in a permanent workplace, where, if measures required by these Regulations were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury; Therefore if you are stood on the ground working next to a hole/ pit / trench you are working at height Chris

You shouldn't get hung up about this, if you'll pardon the expression. As has been said, working on the bottom step of a ladder can lead to serious injury in exceptional circumstances. However, with someone working at such a low height you wouldn't go to the lengths of applying collective fall protection such as a mobile scaffold with edge protection etc, whereas the other example of working next to a deep pit or trench at ground level, you may go to the lengths of providing edge protection. The key is, providing sensible controls to fit the situation.

From http://www.hse.gov.uk/wo.../faqs.htm#work-at-height "What is 'work at height'? Work at height means work in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. You are working at height if you: work above ground/floor level could fall from an edge, through an opening or fragile surface or could fall from ground level into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground Work at height does not include a slip or a trip on the level, as a fall from height has to involve a fall from one level to a lower level, nor does it include walking up and down a permanent staircase in a building." People do stupid things with ladders.

You need to remember you do not have to be at work to be in danger from falling from height. Members of the general public have to be protected as well.

you can be working at height even if its miniscule if there is the risk to someone getting hurt, In the good old US of A work at height is 6ft as it used to be over here but now the UK and Europe its any height even at ground level if there is a chance of falling i.e into a trench, hole etc

Where there is the potential to fall from above and below