The Danger of Working at Height
Falls from height are consistently the leading cause of fatal workplace accidents in Ireland. According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), they account for a significant proportion of work-related deaths every year, with construction, agriculture, and maintenance sectors most affected. Yet with proper training, risk assessment, and the use of correct equipment, the vast majority of these fatalities are preventable.
What Counts as Working at Height?
Under Irish law, working at height means working in any place, including at or below ground level, where a person could be injured if they fell. This includes:
- Working on scaffolding or elevated platforms
- Using ladders or stepladders
- Working on roofs or mezzanine floors
- Working near excavations or voids
- Working on mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)
- Window cleaning and building maintenance above ground level
Working at Height Regulations in Ireland
The key legislation governing working at height in Ireland is the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. These require employers to:
- Avoid working at height where possible
- Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where working at height cannot be avoided
- Ensure that working at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent people
- Carry out a risk assessment before any work at height begins
Who Needs Working at Height Training?
- Construction workers — scaffolders, roofers, bricklayers
- Window cleaners and building maintenance workers
- Telecoms and utilities engineers
- Warehouse staff using mezzanines or racking systems
- Facility managers and maintenance teams
- Anyone supervising work at height activities
What Does the Course Cover?
- Legal framework — Irish and EU regulations
- Risk assessment for work at height
- Types of access equipment — scaffolding, ladders, MEWPs
- Selection and inspection of equipment
- Collective and individual fall protection systems
- Permit to work systems
- Emergency procedures and rescue planning
- Duties of employers, employees, and contractors
Get Certified Online
IFC Training Hub’s Working at Height Practical Safety Training & Risk Management course covers all Irish legal requirements and gives you the practical knowledge to work safely at height. Complete it fully online and receive your certificate on completion.
