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If you work at height as part of your job, it is very important that you undergo the proper health and safety training before starting work.

You also need to wear the right safety clothing to work at height, and to have the right safety equipment with you. Your employer also needs to put the right protective measures in place. If any of these safety measures are missed out, your health and even your life could be in danger.

Here are a few essential facts you need to know about the issues relating to working at height:

• Falling from a height is the most common kind of fatal workplace accident in the UK. In 2007/08, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 55 workers died from falling from height.
• Six out of the 55 fall from height deaths in 2007/08 occurred after a fall that was less then head height
• The construction industry is the most dangerous to work in when it comes to working from height risks
• The regulations governing working from height are the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations 2007. Look these up!
• Guardrails, safety nets and other edge barriers are all effective at preventing falls from height
• Health and safety training and proper supervision are essential for preventing working at height accidents and injuries.