In the high-risk industries of construction and agriculture, the most persistent and deadly hazard remains the oldest one: gravity. Despite stringent regulations and advanced safety equipment, falls from height continue to be the leading cause of fatal workplace accidents across the UK and Ireland.

Agriculture:

Farming often involves lone working and tasks that might seem ‘quick’ but carry significant risk such as repairing barn roofs, accessing silos, or working from ladders in poor weather conditions. The HSA in Ireland frequently highlights that many fatal falls on farms occur during building maintenance.

Complacency is a major contributing factor in both sectors. When work at height is routine, the perception of risk can diminish, leading to critical safety lapses.

The Legal Landscape UK and Ireland

The legal duty to manage work at height is clear and robust across all jurisdictions. While the specific regulations differ slightly, the core message is the same: all work at height must be properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent persons.

• Northern Ireland: Governed by the Work at Height Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005, enforced by HSENI.
• Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales): Governed by the Work at Height Regulations 2005, enforced by the HSE.
• Republic of Ireland: Governed by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Part 4: Work at Height, enforced by the HSA.

Inspectors across all regions look for evidence that a suitable and sufficient risk assessment has been conducted and that the appropriate equipment has been selected and is being used correctly.

Mastering the Hierarchy of Control

• The cornerstone of managing height safety and the first thing regulators look for is the application of the Hierarchy of Control. HSEQ strategies must rigorously adhere to this sequence:

1. AVOID: The most effective control measure is to eliminate the need to work at height entirely. Can the work be done from ground level using extending tools? Can machinery be lowered for maintenance?

2. PREVENT: If the work cannot be avoided, prevent a fall from occurring. This is typically achieved using existing safe workplaces or the right equipment, such as:

• Installing permanent guardrails or edge protection.
• Using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).
• Ensuring scaffolding is correctly designed and erected.

3. MINIMISE:

If a fall cannot be completely prevented, minimise the distance and consequence of a fall. This includes using fall arrest systems (harnesses and lanyards, which require specialist training and rescue planning) or safety nets.

A common failing observed by HSENI inspectors is skipping the first two steps and relying immediately on fall arrest equipment, or worse, relying solely on ladders for tasks that require longer duration or greater mobility.

Common Pitfalls and HSEQ Solutions

• The HSENI campaign emphasizes that many incidents are preventable with basic planning.

  • Fragile Surfaces: Never assume a roof is safe. Fragile materials like asbestos cement sheets or aging skylights are a major hazard. Work must be planned to avoid standing on these surfaces, utilising roof ladders or staging platforms. The HSE provides detailed guidance (INDG284) on this critical area.
  • Ladder Misuse: Ladders should only be used for low-risk, short-duration work (typically under 30 minutes) and must be secured. Overreaching or carrying heavy loads on a ladder significantly increases the risk of a fall.
  • Competence and Training: Ensure everyone involved—from planners to operatives—has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience. This includes not just how to use equipment, but how to recognise hazards and respond to emergencies.

  The HSENI campaign is a wake-up call. Proactive HSEQ management is essential to ensure that every worker who goes up comes down safely.

  Are your working at height procedures robust and compliant? AcornStar provides expert risk assessment, safety management system development, and accredited training courses across the UK and Ireland for the construction and agricultural sectors. Contact our HSEQ Consultancy Services today to review your safety protocols.

Are your working at height procedures robust and compliant? AcornStar provides expert risk assessment, safety management system development, and accredited training courses across the UK and Ireland for the construction and agricultural sectors. Contact our HSEQ Consultancy Services today to review your safety protocols.