Work safely at height or in a confined space

Businesses whose staff work above or below the ground or in confined spaces must follow rules designed to reduce the risks of injury.

Falls are common in the construction and transport sectors. They can also happen in any business whose employees work on ladders, scaffolding, roofs or gangways. Even falls from low heights can cause serious injuries.

Workers in confined spaces can be at risk of physical injury, respiratory problems or even suffocation. You must take steps to control the risks. Examples of confined spaces include storage tanks, silos, drains and vats.

This guide helps you assess the risks of working at height. It covers risks such as roof, platform and walkway safety. It explains how to reduce the risk of objects falling from height. This guide also explains how to work safely in a confined space.

The following video, Internal Falls are Preventable, from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), highlights the critical importance of providing internal fall protection when working at height.