Working at height advice for churches

Some everyday tasks will involve working or gaining access at height, and these can pose a risk of serious injury from falls. Injuries may be caused by falling from ladders and stepladders or through fragile materials.

Falls can also occur from raised, open edges (for example, in galleries, triforia, or external walls) that are not adequately protected by handrails or other features (for example, balustrades). Sometimes, they can also occur during roof work or where temporary work platforms are used (for example, scaffolds and mobile access towers).

As injuries resulting from falls from height can be serious, it is important that any work or access is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent people. This includes using the right type of equipment.

As a first step, identify where work or access at height is required in your church. You may then need to:

• Consider if work at height can be avoided in the first place - can it be completed from ground level?
• Try using an existing stable space, for example, galleries. 
• Make sure the correct equipment is used for the type of work, for example, scaffolding or access towers, etc.
• Minimise the distance and/or outcome of a fall, for example, by using a safety harness.

You should only use ladders for low-risk tasks and if the work is of short duration or there are existing features at your church that cannot be altered.

In some situations, you may also need to:

• Complete risk assessments if you are an employer to identify the precautions you need to take.
• Provide information and training for any employees and volunteers on what they need to do.
• Make periodic checks and inspections to ensure that your precautions remain adequate and that equipment is safe.
• Document your arrangements and responsibilities for working at height, perhaps as part of your health and safety policy.
• Keep records of what you have done.