Working off the ground is one of those things people do without thinking — nip up a ladder, lean a bit further, it'll be grand. Until it isn't. This guide keeps it simple: when to stay down, how to stop a fall, and the order the law wants you to think in.
Small heights, big consequences
Most serious fall injuries don't come from dizzying heights — they come from ladders, low platforms and fragile roofs. Falls are one of the most common causes of workplace death in Ireland.
And almost all of them were avoidable before anyone climbed anything.
Where people actually fall
A few situations cause most incidents. Tap each one to see what to look out for.
Quick jobs, big risk
Most fall incidents involve ladders. Use them only for low-risk, short-duration work, footed and secured.
Three steps, in order
The law wants you to think in a sequence: avoid it, prevent it, minimise it. Don't skip to the bottom.
Avoid
Do the work from the ground if you possibly can — the only fall you can't have is the one you avoid.
Prevent
Use a safe platform, guardrails or a secured ladder so a fall can't happen in the first place.
Minimise
Where a fall risk remains, cut the distance and consequences with nets, airbags or fall-arrest.
Can you do it from the ground? Then do it from the ground. No height, no fall.
Staying safe up there
If you genuinely have to go up, four simple steps:
Plan and assess
Risk-assess the task, the height and the conditions. Can it be done from the ground instead?
Pick the right equipment
Match the kit to the job — tower, MEWP, podium or a secured ladder for short, light work.
Inspect before use
Check ladders, platforms and harnesses every time. Damaged equipment is taken out of use.
Supervise and react to weather
Competent supervision throughout, and stop work in high wind, rain or ice.
What the law says
Under Part 4 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, work at height must be properly planned, supervised and carried out safely. The duties follow a clear order:
- Avoid work at height where it's reasonably practicable
- Use the right equipment and competent people
- Inspect access equipment before use
- Plan for emergencies and rescue