Working at height toolbox talk
This Working at Height Toolbox Talk covers the key hazards and safe-working practices you must follow before accessing a roof or working at height.
The problem: 124 worker-related deaths in 2024 and 2025.
The solution: Learn how to keep yourself and others safe.
The result: Fewer serious injuries and fatalities from falls.
BEFORE WORKING AT HEIGHT
1. Before any work or access onto a roof, identify all fragile materials and put the right precautions in place.
2. Roof-edge barriers or scaffolds must be erected to prevent people and materials from falling.
3. Access ladders must extend at least one metre above the stepping-off point and must be securely fixed.
4. Where ladders rise above nine metres, a safe intermediate platform must be provided.
5. Make sure ladders are set at the correct angle: one unit out for every four units up.
HAZARDS OF WORKING AT HEIGHT
1. If there is any risk of falling, guardrails and toe-boards must be in place.
2. Always assess and anticipate hazards from adverse weather conditions and take suitable precautions.
3. LPG cylinders must be positioned at least four metres away from any heat source, and spare bottles should be kept to a minimum.
4. Never allow rubbish or materials to accumulate. Use a chute or lower materials safely—build-ups create accidents.
SAFE WORKING ON ROOFS
1. Only competent operatives may carry out roofing works.
2. Provide and use crawling boards or ladders where the roof could collapse under weight, or where the pitch exceeds ten degrees.
3. For short-duration work where guardrails and toe-boards cannot be used, workers must wear safety harnesses with suitable anchor points.
4. Bitumen boilers must be used with a drip tray.
5. All openings must be covered or guarded. If you remove a cover for access or material movement, replace it immediately.
NOTE TO THE SUPERVISOR
Brief your workforce on your company’s specific policies for working at height.
And remember: There is no safe height to fall from.
Working at Height eLearning Training Certificate
If your team needs a Working at Height training certificate, we provide a full online eLearning course.
Our Working at Height Training is RoSPA Approved, suitable for anyone who works at height or supervises those who do. Visit segurohealthandsafety.co.uk and select Health and Safety Training from the main menu.
Training can be completed on-site or at home, and once you pass, your certificate will be issued immediately.
