Working at height pre-task planning checklist
By Health Safety Courses editorial team · Occupational health and safety training editors
Follow the hierarchy: avoid, prevent, minimise
Plan work at height using the Work at Height Regulations approach: avoid work at height where reasonably practicable; where it cannot be avoided, prevent falls (for example by using an existing safe place of work or collective access equipment with guardrails); only then minimise the distance and consequences of any fall that cannot be eliminated. Prefer collective protection (platforms, scaffolds with guardrails, nets where designed for it) over personal fall arrest when planning controls. Do not choose harnesses first if a safer level of the hierarchy is reasonably practicable.
Can the work be done without working at height?
Consider ground-level assembly, remote tools, different sequencing or design changes. Document why height is still needed if avoidance is not reasonably practicable.
Access and platforms (equipment-specific)
Confirm access equipment matches the task and is inspected and used within manufacturer and site limits—for example scaffold ties and guardrails, MEWP ground conditions and outreach, ladder type, angle and tie where required. Check only what applies to the equipment in use; follow your organisation’s inspection regime and do not load platforms beyond their design.
Fall protection and dropped objects
Where personal fall protection is still required, plan anchor points, lanyard length and clearance, and exclusion zones below for dropped objects. Ensure the plan matches trained methods and rescue capability.
Weather and lighting
Stop or postpone when wind, rain, ice or poor light makes planned controls unreliable. Re-brief the team when conditions change.
Rescue and emergency
Plan rescue before work starts. Arrangements must be practicable and must not rely solely on the fire and rescue service as the primary plan for a suspended worker or someone stuck on access equipment. Know who calls for help, how a casualty would be reached, and whether first aid cover matches the task.
Brief the team
Agree roles, communication and stop-work triggers before work at height begins. Record briefings where your management system requires it.
Limits of this checklist
This checklist helps structure planning and supervision; it does not prove competence, replace a written safe system of work, scaffold design/checks by competent persons, or sign-off that work at height is safe. Training courses outline concepts; on-site competence, inspection and authorisation remain the employer’s responsibility.
Related courses
- Ergonomic Safety Practices for Scaffolding and Acrobatic Construction Work
- Working at Heights with WM PB Scaffolding: Safety Essentials and Best Practices
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