Falls from height continue to be one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatal accidents in the UK. Despite long-standing legislation and guidance, incidents still occur across commercial, industrial, construction and public sector buildings every year.
As we move into 2026, work at height safety remains a critical responsibility for employers, building owners, facilities managers and contractors. Regulations have not been relaxed — and enforcement expectations remain high.
This guide explains what counts as work at height, what the law requires in 2026, and how duty holders can ensure their buildings, access systems and fall protection measures remain compliant.
What Is Considered Work at Height in the UK?
Under UK law, work at height is defined as any work where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.
This includes work carried out:
- Above ground level
- Below ground level (e.g. near openings or pits)
- On fragile surfaces
Common examples of work at height include:
- Roof inspections and maintenance
- Accessing plant or HVAC equipment
- Working near roof edges or open perimeters
- Using ladders or step ladders
- Working near skylights and rooflights
- Façade cleaning, inspection and repair
- Work on mezzanine floors or raised platforms
Importantly, duration does not reduce risk. Short-duration or “quick” tasks are still classed as work at height and must be planned and controlled accordingly.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 – Do They Still Apply in 2026?
Yes. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 remain fully in force and continue to apply across all industries in 2026.
The regulations apply to:
- Employers
- Self-employed individuals
- Those who control the work of others (duty holders)
The core objectives of the regulations are to:
- Avoid work at height where possible
- Prevent falls where work at height cannot be avoided
- Minimise the distance and consequences of a fall
HSE enforcement action continues to focus heavily on work at height failures, particularly where:
- Falls were foreseeable
- Safer alternatives were available
- Equipment was poorly maintained or untested
Who Is Responsible for Work at Height Safety?
Responsibility for work at height safety often sits with multiple parties.
Duty Holders
A duty holder is anyone who has control over work at height activities. This may include:
- Employers
- Building owners and landlords
- Facilities managers
- Principal contractors
- Managing agents
Duty holders are responsible for ensuring:
- Risks are assessed
- Suitable control measures are in place
- Equipment is safe, tested and maintained
Employers and Contractors
Employers and contractors must:
- Plan work at height activities
- Provide suitable equipment and training
- Ensure workers are competent
- Follow site-specific safety arrangements
Clear communication and coordination between all parties is essential.
The Hierarchy of Control for Work at Height
UK guidance follows a clear hierarchy of control for managing work at height risks.
1. Avoid Work at Height
Where possible, tasks should be redesigned so work at height is eliminated entirely — for example by relocating equipment to ground level.
2. Prevent Falls Using Collective Protection
If work at height cannot be avoided, the next priority is collective fall protection, which protects everyone without reliance on PPE.
Examples include:
- Edge protection and guardrails
- Safety handrails
- Protected walkways and platforms
Collective protection is preferred because it is passive and does not rely on individual behaviour.
3. Minimise Consequences Using Personal Protection
Where collective protection is not reasonably practicable, personal fall protection may be used.
This includes:
- Fall restraint systems
- Fall arrest systems
- Mansafe lifelines and anchor points
These systems require training, inspection and ongoing management.
Common Work at Height Hazards in 2026
Despite increased awareness, several hazards continue to cause serious incidents.
Roof Edges and Unprotected Perimeters
Many roofs remain partially or fully unprotected, exposing maintenance teams to significant fall risks.
Fragile Surfaces and Skylights
Skylights and rooflights are one of the most dangerous fall-through hazards, often appearing solid when they are not.
Unsafe Access Routes
Poor or improvised roof access increases risk before work even begins.
Ageing or Untested Safety Systems
Fall protection systems that are not regularly inspected can fail when needed most.
Fall Protection Systems Explained
Collective Fall Protection
Collective systems provide the highest level of safety and include:
- Edge protection and guardrails
- Safety handrails
- Walkways and protected access routes
These systems reduce reliance on PPE and protect multiple users simultaneously.
Personal Fall Protection
Personal systems are used where collective protection is not feasible.
They include:
- Fall restraint systems, which prevent users reaching a fall hazard
- Fall arrest systems, which arrest a fall in progress
- Mansafe and lifeline systems, allowing safe movement across roofs or structures
Personal systems must always be supported by a rescue plan.
Roof Access and Safe Access Routes
Safe roof access is a critical part of work at height planning.
Common compliant access solutions include:
- Roof access hatches
- Fixed ladders and stair systems
- Designated walkways
Unsafe access methods — such as portable ladders through windows or rooflights — remain a frequent cause of incidents and enforcement action.
Working Near Skylights and Fragile Roofs
Falls through skylights continue to result in serious injuries and fatalities.
In 2026, duty holders are expected to:
- Identify skylights as fragile surfaces
- Prevent people falling through them
- Install physical protection rather than relying on signage alone
Dedicated skylight fall protection systems are one of the most effective ways to control this risk.
Inspection, Testing and Ongoing Compliance
Work at height safety systems are not fit-and-forget solutions.
Most systems require:
- Inspection at least every 12 months
- More frequent checks in harsh or high-use environments
- Immediate inspection after any fall or significant alteration
Failure to maintain systems can invalidate compliance and leave duty holders exposed to liability.
Work at Height Training Requirements in 2026
Training remains a legal requirement where work at height is involved.
Who Needs Training?
- Anyone working at height
- Anyone supervising work at height
- Anyone using fall protection equipment
What Should Training Cover?
- Hazard awareness
- Safe use of equipment
- Emergency and rescue procedures
Refresher training is recommended to maintain competence.
Common Work at Height Mistakes Still Leading to Accidents
Despite clear guidance, common mistakes persist:
- Over-reliance on PPE instead of collective protection
- Temporary systems used as permanent solutions
- Inadequate planning and risk assessments
- Poor inspection and record-keeping
These issues continue to feature in HSE investigations.
How to Assess If Your Building Is Compliant in 2026
Ask yourself:
- Can work at height be avoided or reduced?
- Are roof edges and skylights protected?
- Are access routes safe and controlled?
- Are fall protection systems tested and documented?
- Are workers trained and competent?
If the answer to any of these is “no” or “unsure”, professional advice should be sought.
How Heightsafe Supports Work at Height Compliance
Heightsafe provides end-to-end support for work at height compliance, including:
- Risk assessment and system design
- Installation of fall protection and access systems
- Inspection, testing and maintenance
- Work at height and harness training
Our nationwide teams support clients across commercial, industrial, public sector and heritage environments.
Get Expert Advice on Work at Height Compliance
Work at height risks should never be underestimated. With the right planning, systems and support, they can be effectively controlled.
Contact Heightsafe today to arrange a work at height compliance review or discuss tailored safety solutions for your building.