Free working at height risk assessment template — covers ladders, scaffolds, MEWPs, fragile roofs, rescue plans and the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Editable PDF format.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this working at height template free?
- Yes. Download it, edit it, and use it on your projects. No signup required.
- Do I need a risk assessment for all work at height?
- Yes. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 there is no minimum height — any work where a person could fall a distance liable to cause injury requires a risk assessment and a safe system of work.
- What is the avoid-prevent-mitigate hierarchy?
- WAHR 2005 Reg 6 requires duty-holders to first avoid work at height where possible; if not, use equipment that prevents falls (scaffold, MEWP, edge protection); and only then use equipment that mitigates the distance and consequences of a fall (harnesses, nets, airbags).
- Do I need a separate rescue plan?
- Yes. The HSE expects a specific rescue plan matched to the access method, not just generic emergency procedures. A suspended worker can suffer suspension trauma in under 15 minutes — Fire and Rescue cannot guarantee that response.
- What's the difference between this template and using Riskora?
- This template requires manual editing for every field. Riskora's structured builder loads the working-at-height hazard library, control measures and rescue plan section, then generates a complete site-specific assessment in minutes — with sign-off, version history and downloads built in.