Engaging in tasks at elevated levels that involves any activity performed above ground level, is considered working at heights. Such activities may include, but are not limited, to tasks such as roof repairs, installation, painting, window cleaning, or construction work on tall structures. Despite the necessity of these activities, they inherently pose risks, underscoring the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. (HSE Study Guide, 2023) 

Whether a worker is deemed to be working at height, depends on the nature of the task and the relevant local regulations and industry codes of practice. Performing a risk assessment enables workers and safety officers to assess the probability and potential severity of risks associated with working at elevated positions. This approach allows them to develop safety measures to safeguard against the inherent dangers of working at heights. (Francisco, 2023)

The following countries have specified the criteria for considering work at height and mandated the corresponding safety measures:

What is considered working at height in the European Union?

Work at height refers to any activity conducted in a location where, without adequate precautions, you could fall and sustain an injury. This includes:

• Working above ground level,
• Performing tasks on raised areas (such as vehicles, containers, or cargo bays) where you could fall from an edge,
• Encountering openings in floors or holes in the ground where you could fall through, and
• Any scenario where you could fall from one level to another.

In the EU, according to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, falls from height are particularly common in the construction sector but also occur in other major industries.

Typical examples of activities involving work at height include:

• Construction work on industrial plants and tall buildings,
• Maintenance work at roof edges,
• Installation operations on pylons,
• Accessing high structures and large plants for maintenance, storage, or handling of goods. (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, 2020)

If you are working in an unfamiliar location or situation, carefully assess the risks and do not proceed with the examination and sampling until you are certain it is safe to do so

What is considered working at height in the US?

As per the guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), appropriate fall protection must be supplied to workers based on their elevations:

• 4 feet / 1.21 meters in general industry workplaces
• 5 feet / 1.52 meters in shipyards
• 6 feet / 1.82 meters in the construction industry
• 8 feet / 2.43 meters in longshoring operations.

Additionally, OSHA emphasizes that regardless of fall distance, all workers must have fall protection when working directly over hazardous equipment and machinery.

What is considered working at height in Australia?

In Australia, the regulation of height safety equipment and practices for working at heights falls under the authority of the Working at Height Association (WAHA). WAHA oversees the adherence to various Australian Standards and Industry Codes. (Australian Height Safety Services, 2023).

Work involving a risk of falling more than 2 meters is classified as high risk, necessitating workers to complete a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) before commencement. (Sanim, 2023).  Additionally, appropriate fall protection equipment tailored to the specific fall hazards in the work area must be used.

What is considered working at height in the United Kingdom?

As per the guidelines provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), workers are classified as working at height if they find themselves in any of the following scenarios:

• Engaged in tasks above ground or floor level.
• Potentially at risk of falling from an edge, through an opening, or a fragile surface.
• Exposed to the possibility of falling from ground level into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground.

For any task involving work at height, UK regulations mandate that employers and workers overseeing the activity must adhere to the following:

• Thorough planning of height-related work
• Competence of all workers participating in the elevated work
• Conducting a risk assessment for the work at height and utilizing appropriate equipment
• Implementing risk management when working on or near fragile surfaces
• Ensuring proper inspection and maintenance of access equipment used for work at height.

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Sources:

Australian Height Safety Services. (2023, September 23). At what height is fall protection required in Australia? Retrieved from https://australianheightsafety.com.au/at-what-height-is-fall-protection-required/#:~:text=Generally%20speaking%2C%20fall%20protection%20equipment,work%20that%20is%20carried%20out.

European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. (2020, August 7). Working at height. Retrieved from https://oshwiki.osha.europa.eu/en/themes/working-height

Francisco, E. B. (2023, October 23). Safer Working at Height. Retrieved from https://safetyculture.com/topics/working-at-heights/

HSE Study Guide. (2023, August 23). Important: OSHA Standard for Working at Height. Retrieved from https://www.hsestudyguide.com/osha-standard-for-working-at-height/

Sanim, T. (2023, October 16). Working Safely at Heights. Retrieved from https://blog.bluebeam.com/au/: https://blog.bluebeam.com/au/working-safely-at-heights/