At what height is a person considered to be working from height?

Working at height is classified as any work that takes place in a location where a person could fall from a distance that would injure them if preventative measures were not taken. Working above ground or floor level, working somewhere that you could fall into a hole or opening in the ground or working in a place where you could fall through an opening, fragile surface or off a ledge all count as working at height. A fall from height is classified as travelling from one level to a lower level, so incidents like trips or slips that occur on the same level, even if it is above the ground, do not count. You can learn more in our helpful article here.

What are example roles that require working at height training?

Roles for anyone who works at height include: window cleaners, painters, builders, electricians, tilers, sign fitters, tree surgeons, retail workers and plumbers. This is not a definitive list and many businesses have changing job roles that may require working at height training in the future. Even in office environments, the laws surrounding working at height might apply if, for instance, an employee needs to use a ladder to change a lightbulb, or even if they are putting up Christmas decorations. You can see many resources surrounding working at height and how to stay safe here.

Working at Height Online Training Course

This Working at Heights online course is designed for anyone who has to work at height at any time to ensure that the risks are managed and reduced. The RoSPA and CPD approved training looks at the Work at Height Regulations 2005, how to work safely with ladders, the different types of equipment and much more. Instant digital working at heights certificate on completion.

This course was reviewed and updated in February 2025

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Course Overview

Format

Intermediate
30 - 45 Minutes
Online Study
Self-Printed Certificate

Accreditation

1 CPD Hour
CPD Certified
RoSPA Assured

Course description

Working at height isn’t common in many industries, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an important consideration for employers.

Working at Heights has been developed to provide individuals and organisations with the knowledge required to comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. It is recommended that any workers who have to plan or carry out working at height complete this course.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 legislation is designed to ensure that people don’t get hurt in the workplace, if you are an employer and any of your employees have to work at height at any time, then this legislation apply to you.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, falling from height is still one of the biggest causes of workplace deaths and one of the main causes of major injury, despite the risks injuries from falling from height are very avoidable.

Even in office environments, the laws surrounding working at height might apply if, for instance, an employee needs to use a ladder to change a lightbulb, or even if they are putting up Christmas decorations.

Knowing the correct ways to work with equipment such as scaffolding, ladders and access equipment can help prevent injuries and ensure the safety of workers. This course was previously known as: An Introduction to Working at Height.

Falling off a ladder is no laughing matter, so understanding how to stay safe is essential.

Businesses must also comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and this course helps them meet it by training you on the correct ways to work at height.

What does this course cover?

This working at heights training will cover the follow topics:

Types of access equipment
Current legislation and the Work at Height Regulations 2005
Working safely with scaffolds
Working safely with ladders and stepladders
Carrying out roof work safely

Upon completion of this working at heights training course, learners will be able to:

Recognise different types of access equipment and their use
Be aware of the current legislation relating to working at height
Know what is required to work safely with general access scaffolds
Know what is required to work safely with ladders
Know what is required to carry out roof work safely

Who should take this working at heights training course and why?

This working at height online course is suitable for anyone who works at height including: Window Cleaners, painters, builders, electricians, tilers, sign fitters, tree surgeons, retail workers and plumbers. This is not a definitive list and many businesses have changing job roles that may require working at height training in the future. It’s recommended that anyone who’s carrying out or planning any task that involves working at height complete this course.

Nobody wants to get hurt at work, and businesses are adversely affected by the lose of productivity, time and money when someone gets injured whilst working at height.

This working at height online course has been created to provide learners with the knowledge required to meet the Work at Height Regulations 2005 guidelines. It is recommended that anyone who is carrying out or planning any task that involves working at height complete this course. Once completed, this course will give learners the knowledge they need to comply with the Work at Height Regulation 2005, this also includes information on how to create an effective risk assessment for the learners workplace and how to use safety equipment safely.

Working at Heights Training Certificate

Learners will be able to download a digital working at heights certificate on completion of the course. This can be printed, and we suggest you keep it for your records.

The content of this course has been independently assured by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and meets Continuous Professional Development (CPD) guidelines.

The working at heights certificate, awarded upon successful completion, can be used to log your hours against.

The end of course test consists of 18 multiple choice questions. Learners are required to achieve an 80% pass mark, and, if necessary, may attempt the test as many times as is needed.

Course duration

This working at height training course will take approximately 30 - 45 minutes to complete, depending on how quickly learners can study and absorb the material. Learners do not have to complete all the training in one session as progress is recorded throughout so it can be completed at your convenience.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this primary survey first aid course.

Further online training

Within our 300+ strong course catalogue we have a wide range of accredited online health and safety courses including Complete Health & Safety Package, Manual Handling in the Workplace and COSHH Training.

View our full course catalogue here.

You will learn

Why it’s important to work safely when at height

The responsibilities everyone has when it comes to working at height

What you can do to prevent a fall when working at height

Practical tips when it comes to staying safe on a ladder

Other risks in the environment that are associated with being at height, such as falling objects

Rescue plans and what to do in an emergency

Who is it for?

Roles including:

This course is recommended for anyone who plans to or carries out work at height

This includes a wide range of professionals such as plumbers, architects, cable layers, roofers and caretakers

Legislation

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 are the main pieces of legislation that govern this type of work.

They are designed entirely to prevent injuries, and in the worst case scenario, even death.

The legislation is not complex and contains various sections that are of importance to differing types of work. For example, there is a section that deals exclusively with ladders, which will be of significance to most employers and HR departments, but there is also a dedicated section for those working on platforms and scaffolding.

If you are an employer, and any of your employees have to work at height at any time, then the regulations apply to you. You must conduct risk assessments and take the necessary precautions. Similarly, employees have a responsibility to follow instruction, and keep themselves and their colleagues safe.