Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 set out the approach necessary to ensure the safety of people working at height. They place clear responsibilities on employers and those in control of any work at height to prevent falls by making sure work is properly planned, supervised, and undertaken by competent people. This includes using the right type of equipment including, where suitable, ladders.

In 2022/23, 40 fatal injuries were due to falls from a height accounting for 30% of all worker deaths¹ over the year. The level of fatality and major injury arising from falls is still high so there is an ongoing need for the regulations to focus attention on the issue.

Following the announcement of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, Heath and Safety engagement with industry groups and trade organisations demonstrated extensive support to retain the Work at Height Regulations. The Regulations are well embedded in the health and safety framework and recognised as a key instrument in ensuring effective workplace health and safety standards.

¹Work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain, 2023 (hse.gov.uk)