Top 8 Hazards of Working at Height? Risks, Responsibilities & Safety Measures

Working at height continues to be one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatalities in construction, utilities, and industrial work across Canada. Whether you’re accessing rooftops, scaffolding, or tower structures, understanding the risks and implementing proper fall protection and control measures is essential.

Common Hazards of Working at Height

When people think of “height hazards,” they often focus on falling itself, yet there are several layered risks that contribute to incidents. Let’s explore the key hazards workers face when operating above ground level.

1. Falling Objects

Loose tools, materials, or unsecured personal items can fall and injure workers below. To mitigate this, use toeboards, tool lanyards, and edge protection systems.

Alt Text: worker rappelling from heights using proper fall arrest equipment and systems

2. Structural Failure

Faulty scaffolding, weak ladders, or collapsing platforms pose severe risks. All work platforms and support structures should undergo safety inspection services before use.

3. Environmental Conditions

Rain, wind, snow, and ice increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Delays or protective measures should be enforced when weather creates unsafe conditions.

4. Slips and Trips

Poor housekeeping, tangled cords, or uneven surfaces can cause slips—even at height. Maintaining clean, clutter-free work areas is a basic but effective safety step.

5. Human Factors

Fatigue, distraction, or lack of height training can lead to errors in judgment or improper equipment use. Workers need both physical readiness and mental awareness.

6. Lack of Safety Equipment

Not using fall arrest gear such as harnesses, lanyards, and roof anchors dramatically increases risk. Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a direct violation of regulatory standards.

7. Inadequate Risk Assessment

Failing to conduct a thorough working at height risk assessment means potential hazards go unaddressed. A proper risk review is the foundation of every safe job.

8. Physical and Psychological Stress

Working at height demands physical strength and mental confidence. Fear or fatigue can compromise worker performance and increase danger.

Employee Responsibilities When Working at Heights

As an employee, you play a vital role in keeping yourself and others safe. Your responsibilities include:

• Attending working at height safety training

• Wearing and correctly using fall protection equipment

• Performing visual inspections of gear before use

• Reporting hazards or damaged equipment immediately

• Following all site-specific risk assessment protocols

Employer Responsibilities for Working at Height Safety

Employers are required to implement the hierarchy of controls when managing work-at-height risks:

1. Avoid

If the work can be done from the ground, avoid height entirely. Use extendable tools or reposition tasks to lower levels when possible.

2. Prevent

If work at height is necessary, prevent falls using guardrails, safety gates, or work platforms with built-in fall protection.

3. Mitigate

Where falls cannot be eliminated, fall arrest systems such as harnesses, self-retracting lifelines, and anchor connectors must be used to reduce the impact of a fall.

Employers must also ensure:

1. Proper installation of fall protection systems

2. Access to certified safety inspection services

3. Workers receive up-to-date height training

4. Emergency rescue plans are in place and understood

What to Consider in a Working at Height Risk Assessment

A comprehensive risk assessment for working at height should include:

• Type and duration of the work

• Condition of the work area

• Required access and egress points

• Competency and training of workers

• Selection of appropriate fall arrest equipment

• Weather and environmental risks

• Emergency rescue procedures

Key Elements of a Safe Work Plan at Height

✅ Safe Use of Ladders

Inspect before use, maintain three points of contact, and avoid overreaching.

✅ Edge Protection & Safety Gates

Prevent falls before they occur using fall protection systems like guardrails and gates.

✅ Fall Arrest Equipment

Ensure workers use certified gear such as harnesses, SRLs, and anchor systems. Always verify the gear is properly fitted and maintained.

✅ Working at Height Training

Ongoing training ensures your team knows how to recognize hazards, operate fall protection systems, and respond to emergencies.

Work with our Height Safety Experts

At Height Works Ltd., we provide fall protection support, inspection testing services, and consulting for companies that prioritize safety. Our height safety experts specialize in:

• Workplace hazard analysis

• PPE selection and compliance

• Fall protection systems design

• Safety training and rescue planning

If you’re serious about protecting your workers at height, we’re here to help.

Mitigate Your Risk at Heights with our Fall Protection Experts

Working at height comes with significant risks—but with the right fall protection solutions, risk assessments, and training, those risks can be managed. Whether you’re overseeing a major construction site or managing rooftop maintenance, investing in height safety services is a legal, moral, and operational imperative.

📞 Call Height Works Ltd. today at 1-877-361-2565

🌐 Learn more at www.HeightWorks.ca