Understanding UK Working at Height Regulations – Compliance and Safety Simplified

Working at height is routine for industries like construction, facilities management, and manufacturing across the UK. It’s also heavily regulated to keep employees safe and prevent personal injury. The Work at Height Regulations 2005, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), are the main legislation here. For employers and duty holders, compliance isn’t just a legal box to tick—it’s about avoiding falls, the most common cause of serious workplace accidents.

At Kee Safety, we’ve been managing height risks since 1934 with safety equipment designed to meet these standards. This post unpacks the regulations and shows how our UK solutions help you stay compliant while keeping your team secure. Let’s break it down.

What Are the Working at Height Regulations?

The Work at Height Regulations 2005—often shortened to height regulations—cover any task where a fall could cause personal injury, whether from a rooftop, ladder, or platform just above ground level. The Health and Safety Executive defines it broadly: if there’s a distance liable to injure someone, these rules apply. There’s no minimum height requirement like the outdated “two metres” idea—it’s about the risk, not the ruler.

Key Requirements for Employers

Here’s what employers and competent people need to know:

• Risk Assessment: Every job needs a specific height risk assessment, properly planned to identify hazards—like fragile surfaces or falling objects—and control work safely.
• Hierarchy of Control: Avoid working at height if you can. If not, prioritise collective protection (like guardrails) over personal protective equipment (like a safety harness). Fall mitigation measures, like safety nets, are a last resort.
• Competent Person: Tasks must be carried out by staff with appropriate training and skills.
• Work Equipment: Ladders, working platforms, or guardrails must be the correct equipment, properly inspected, and fit for the task.
• Fragile Surfaces: These need special attention—falls through weak roofs or skylights are a leading cause of height-related injuries.

Non-compliance can lead to fines from the HSE, downtime, or worse—injured workers. Getting this right protects your team and your business.

How Kee Safety Supports Compliance

Our UK-made safety equipment aligns with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, helping you prevent falls and manage risks effectively. Here’s how some of our key products fit the bill:

Kee Guard® Roof Top Guardrail – Collective Protection Priority

The regs put collective protection first, and Kee Guard is built for it. This freestanding guard rail system secures roof edges without penetrating the surface—ideal for flat or metal roofs. Tested to EN 14122-3, a standard the HSE recognises, it’s quick to install and keeps employees safe without needing personal protection equipment. It’s a low-risk fix for construction work or maintenance.

KeeLine® Horizontal Lifeline – Personal Protection Done Right

When guard rails won’t work—like on complex rooflines—KeeLine steps in. This horizontal lifeline system provides fall arrest or restraint, meeting EN 795, another regs-friendly benchmark. We tailor it to your site’s height risk assessment, ensuring it’s the correct equipment for the job. It’s reliable personal protection for trickier setups.

Kee Cover® Skylight Protection – Handling Fragile Surfaces

Fragile surfaces are a big focus under the regs, especially skylights. Kee Cover offers covers that stop falls through rooflights while letting light in. Compliant with ACR[M]001:2019, it’s a practical solution, often paired with guard rails for extra safety. It’s about controlling work on risky surfaces.

Kee Walk® Walkways – Safe Working Platforms

Uneven roofs or trip hazards? Kee Walk creates anti-slip working platforms with optional guard rails, meeting EN 516. It ensures safe access for short-duration tasks or regular maintenance, cutting risks whether at height or near ground level. It’s safety equipment that works.

Kee Klamp® Safety Railings – Flexible and Compliant

Our original Kee Klamp tubular railings are a versatile alternative to welded barriers, perfect for permanent staircases or temporary setups. Available in galvanised steel or Kee Lite aluminium, they meet EN 13374 and keep working at height safe. They’re a staple for employers needing fast, compliant guard rails.

Beyond Equipment: Our Services

At Kee Safety, we understand that compliance isn’t just about having the right equipment—it’s about ensuring your workforce is trained, your site is safe, and your systems remain up to standard. That’s why we offer a full suite of services to help you stay on the right side of the regulations.

Safety Surveys

Our safety experts conduct comprehensive on-site risk assessments, identifying hazards and potential compliance gaps. We evaluate factors such as:

• Fragile surfaces, skylights, and fall risks.
• Ladder access and guard rail placements.
• Areas where falling objects may pose a danger.

Once the assessment is complete, we provide a detailed action plan with tailored recommendations to enhance safety and compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standards.

Training

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that all height-related tasks be carried out by a competent person—someone with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and training. Our structured training programs cover:

• Safe use of work equipment, including ladders, harnesses, and lifelines.
• How to conduct a height risk assessment and apply the hierarchy of control.
• Emergency procedures, such as fall arrest response and rescue plans.
• Best practices for preventing falls, ensuring compliance with UK safety laws.

By investing in training, you ensure that your workforce is well-equipped to work at height safely and efficiently.

Recertification

Fall protection systems and safety equipment must be properly inspected and recertified at regular intervals to remain compliant. Our recertification service includes:

• Inspection of guardrails, lifelines, harnesses, and anchor points.
• Functional testing to verify that safety nets, barriers, and platforms meet legal requirements.
• Certification renewal to demonstrate compliance with UK legislation and industry standards.

By keeping your equipment in peak condition, we help you reduce risks, prevent fines, and maintain a safe working environment for your employees.

Get Expert Support

Whether you need a full safety audit, refresher training, or system inspections, Kee Safety has the expertise to keep your business compliant and your workers protected.

Get Started on Height Safety

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 exist to reduce falls and keep employees safe—it’s that simple. With Kee Safety’s solutions, you can turn compliance into a strength. Need help tailoring this to your site? Contact our team at sales@keesafety.com or call +44 1384 632 188 for further information. Let’s manage your height risks together.