The Working At Height Regulations 2005 have long been the gold standard when it comes to protecting employees in the workplace from serious injury or death resulting from a fall.
However, the plan to scrap the 600 laws, and therefore the Working at Height Regulations 2005 has since been halted.
While there is no guarantee that the abolishment of the laws won’t go ahead in the future, here is what employers along with all those who work at a height need to know for now.
Working at Height Regulations – Why Do They Matter?
It is estimated that some 10 million people in the UK work at a height, whether this involves the likes of abseil equipment, scaffolding, scissor lifts, oil and gas platforms or ladders.
With falls from a height being the biggest killer of workplace deaths, measures including the WAH regulations are designed to protect workers as much as possible. This outcome is achieved by following the correct safety advice to minimise the chance of slips, trips and falls while working above ground level.
Employers are legally bound to follow the regulations and must ensure that the work is properly planned, supervised and is only carried out by competent individuals.
Since the WAH regulations were introduced, the UK has seen a reduction in workplace fatalities as a result of falling from a height and now has some of the lowest rates of anywhere in Europe.
In 2022/2023 the HSE reports that 41 people died while at work as a result of a fall from a height. While any number above 0 is still too high, this figure stood at 67 deaths the year before the WAH regulations were introduced. This clearly demonstrates why the WAH regulations were vitally needed. In addition, the importance of maintaining the legislation to avoid a return to higher instances of serious injuries and deaths due to falls from a height.
Key Takeaways
At the time of writing, the Working at Height Regulations 2005 remain in place and are as important as ever.
Various leaders within the construction trade have voiced their support for keeping the regulations in place, including in the form of petitions, interviews and other media which have recently been published. All with the aim of raising awareness of the potential consequences of a lack of clear safety guidance with regard to working at height.
As a leading manufacturer and supplier of workplace safety equipment here at Metreel, we certainly agree that keeping the Working at Height Regulations 2005 in place is for the health, safety and well-being of everyone in the workplace.
Metreel – Fall Protection Equipment To Keep Your Team Safe When Working At Height
With the Working at Height Regulations 2005 here to stay, there has never been a better time to review your workplace safety equipment, especially if your team works at a height.
You can also download our free brochure to discover more about our product specifications by visiting our product brochure page.
Alternatively, if you’re ready to place an order or have any questions, please give us a call on 0115 932 7010 or email us at [email protected].