Working at Height Duty Holders Responsibilities

Working at height is one of the most common causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, making compliance with regulations an absolute priority for those who perform or oversee work at height.

Whether you’re an employer, an employee, or self-employed, understanding your responsibilities as a “duty holder” is crucial for keeping everyone safe. Let’s break down what these responsibilities are, why they matter, and how they apply in various scenarios.

Why Duty Holders Matter in Working at Height Regulations

First, let’s clarify what a “duty holder” is. In simple terms, it’s the person (or people) responsible for ensuring compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

This role might fall upon different individuals depending on the workplace. In some cases, the employer takes on this responsibility; in others, it’s shared with employees, contractors, or even the self-employed. Regardless of the specific scenario or situation, the goal remains the same: to reduce risk and to protect lives.

Employer’s Responsibilities

Employers play a crucial role when it comes to working at height. They have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because the law demands it.

Here are the key responsibilities employers must fulfill:

1. Ensuring Employee Safety

The safety of workers is non-negotiable. Employers must assess potential risks, eliminate them where possible, and mitigate them where they can’t be avoided. For example, if scaffolding is required, they must ensure it’s properly installed, inspected, and maintained.

2. Providing Training and Supervision

Employees cannot be expected to work safely at height without proper training. Employers are responsible for making sure their teams are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to do their jobs safely. This might include hands-on training with fall arrest systems or refresher courses on the latest safety protocols.

And let’s not forget supervision—even experienced workers benefit from having someone ensure procedures are being followed correctly.

3. Conducting Risk Assessments

Before any task involving work at height begins, a thorough risk assessment should be carried out. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s about identifying real-world hazards and implementing measures to control them. For instance, can the task be done safely from the ground instead? If not, what measures will reduce the risk of falls?

4. Providing Suitable Equipment

From harnesses to guardrails, employers must provide the right tools for the job. It’s also their responsibility to ensure the equipment is well-maintained and in good working condition. Faulty or poorly maintained equipment can lead to serious accidents, so regular inspections are essential.

Want to find out more about what the Working at Height Regulations entail? Read up on our full breakdown here.

Employee’s Responsibilities

While employers shoulder much of the responsibility, employees have their part to play too. After all, safety is a team effort, and every individual on-site must contribute to creating a safe work environment.

1. Following Safety Protocols

When working at height, rules exist for a reason. Employees must adhere to these protocols, whether that means wearing the proper safety gear, using equipment as instructed, or staying within designated safe zones. Cutting corners might save time in the moment, but it can lead to devastating consequences.

2. Using Equipment Correctly

Employers can provide the best equipment money can buy, but it’s useless if employees don’t use it properly. For example, not securing a harness correctly or misusing a ladder could put both the individual and their colleagues at risk.

3. Reporting Hazards

Employees are often the first to spot potential hazards. It’s their responsibility to report issues like unstable scaffolding or damaged safety gear to their employer immediately. Open communication can prevent small problems from turning into serious incidents.

4. Participating in Training

Employees must engage with the training provided, ask questions when they’re unsure, and apply what they learn on the job.

Contractors and Self-Employed Individuals

The regulations don’t just apply to traditional workplaces. Contractors and self-employed individuals working at height are also considered duty holders, which means they’re responsible for their own safety—and that of anyone involved in their work.

1. Assessing and Mitigating Risks

Just like employers, contractors and self-employed workers must carry out risk assessments. This might mean inspecting a roof before starting work or evaluating the stability of a ladder.

2. Using Safe Practices

Self-employed individuals often juggle multiple roles, but safety should always come first. This includes investing in proper equipment and following the same safety protocols expected of employees.

3. Considering Others

Even if you’re self-employed, your actions can impact others. For example, dropping tools from a height could endanger anyone below. Taking precautions—like using tool lanyards or setting up exclusion zones—can prevent accidents.

Key Principles for All Duty Holders

No matter who the duty holder is, these core principles apply universally:

• Avoid Working at Height Where Possible: Can the task be done from the ground? If so, do it that way.
• Use the Right Equipment: Choose equipment that minimises risk, whether it’s scaffolding, a mobile elevated work platform, or a fall arrest system.
• Plan and Prepare: Proper planning ensures that risks are identified and addressed before work begins.
• Communicate Clearly: Whether it’s a quick toolbox talk or a detailed safety briefing, open communication keeps everyone on the same page.

Final Thoughts: Making Safety a Priority

Working at height can be dangerous, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be. By understanding and fulfilling their responsibilities, duty holders at every level—from employers to employees to contractors—can help prevent accidents and save lives.

Safety isn’t just about following regulations; it’s about fostering a culture where everyone looks out for each other. And when that happens, everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.

Call Severn Access for All Your Work at Height Needs

If you’re a duty holder responsible for ensuring work at height is conducted safely and legally, partnering with a trusted work at height contractor like Severn Access can take the stress out of compliance.

Whether you need inspections, maintenance, high-level cleaning, or specialist repairs, our experienced rope access technicians provide tailored, cost-effective solutions that meet the highest safety standards.

We help businesses across the UK stay compliant with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, delivering safe and efficient results without the need for costly scaffolding or heavy machinery. Don’t leave safety to chance—contact Severn Access today for a bespoke solution to your at-height challenges today.