Anyone who works at height or employs people who work at height needs to ensure they fully understand and comply with the Working at Height Regulations.

Some of the more common jobs that involve working at height are – window cleaners, roofers, television ariel installers and tree surgeons to name just a few.

The Working at Height Regulations were introduced in 2005 to ensure anyone exposed to height during the course of their job would be properly protected and that employers would take all reasonable steps to prevent accidents and injuries occurring.

A PDF version of the full Working at Height Regulations can be found here, much of what is detailed in the full legislation is common sense, the main points being:

  • Work at height must be fully planned and properly supervised.
  • Equipment, tools and safety gear must be checked prior to use.
  • The correct equipment, tools and safety gear should be used for the job.

Anyone who works at height, or anyone who supervises or employs people who work at height, should to be aware of at least the basic legislation as a minimum.

There are numerous dangers when working at height, if the Working at Height Regulations haven’t been followed there is a high chance an accident could occur, some of the most common working at height accidents are:

  • Falls from ladders – even a fall from just a few steps up can result in serious injury
  • Falls from scaffolding
  • Accidents and injuries from falls from roofs

Anyone who has been injured following an accident while working at height may be able to make a claim for personal injury compensation, especially if the Working at Height Regulations weren’t followed.

It is essential that anyone considering making a personal injury claim speaks to a specialist Solicitor who has experience of handling claims involving the Working at Height Regulations.

A Solicitor experienced with working at height claims will ensure the person who has been injured receives the right amount of compensation, as well as an award of damages for the injuries.

This final compensation payment would also normally comprise of a payment for private medical treatment and other expenses that may be incurred in making the quickest and fullest possible recovery from the injuries sustained in the accident.

Pinto Potts are specialist injury claims Solicitors with considerable experience in handling claims for people who have had an accident at height, for free, confidential advice about making a claim call: 0800 316 4434.