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Working at height inspection checklist

Use this working-at-height checklist to review whether the task is planned, access is suitable, edges and openings are controlled, equipment is fit for the intended system, falling objects are managed and rescue is realistic. A competent person must select controls for the actual height, surface, duration and environment.

Use this checklist in FenwixSee the safety inspection workflow →
Working-at-height checklist covering planning, edge controls, anchors and rescue readiness.

Prevent the fall first

Prefer eliminating height exposure and collective protection before relying on personal fall systems.

Inspect the whole system

Access, anchor, connector, user, clearance and rescue must work together.

Stop when conditions change

Weather, layout, simultaneous work and damaged equipment require reassessment.

Height-work control loop

  1. Define task
  2. Select controls
  3. Inspect setup
  4. Monitor work
  5. Close and record

Plan beyond the equipment

A harness alone is not a work-at-height plan. Confirm the task can be avoided or redesigned, choose collective measures where practicable, and define supervision, exclusion and rescue before exposure begins.

  • Task and duration
  • Access and work-position method
  • Fall prevention or arrest strategy
  • Rescue without relying only on public emergency services

Evidence should show the system

Record the work face and control arrangement, not only a close-up of a lanyard. Note the exact edge, opening, anchor or access point and capture any immediate stop-work control.

  • Overview of the work area
  • Equipment identity and visible condition
  • Anchor or collective protection arrangement
  • Exclusion zone and rescue provisions

Working-at-height field checks

These prompts support a field review; they do not choose equipment, calculate clearance or approve anchors.

  1. 1

    Avoidance and task design

    Can the work be completed from ground level, prefabricated or otherwise redesigned to remove height exposure?

  2. 2

    Plan and authorization

    Is the actual task, location, method, people, duration and control plan understood and authorized before work begins?

  3. 3

    Competence and supervision

    Are workers trained for the selected system and supervised at a level appropriate to the task and change risk?

  4. 4

    Access and egress

    Is access secured, stable, unobstructed and suitable for tools, materials and emergency descent?

  5. 5

    Edges and openings

    Are unprotected edges, floor openings, fragile surfaces and changes in level eliminated, covered, guarded or otherwise controlled?

  6. 6

    Platforms and equipment

    Is the selected ladder, platform, scaffold or powered access equipment suitable, visibly serviceable and used within its intended conditions?

  7. 7

    Personal fall system

    Where used, are harness, connectors, lanyard or lifeline compatible, inspected and arranged to limit free fall and swing hazards?

  8. 8

    Anchorage and clearance

    Has a competent person confirmed the anchor and required clearance for the complete fall system and work position?

  9. 9

    Falling objects

    Are tools, materials, toe boards, tethering, storage and exclusion controls preventing exposure below?

  10. 10

    Weather and environment

    Are wind, rain, ice, heat, visibility, nearby electricity and moving plant within the planned safe limits?

  11. 11

    Rescue readiness

    Can a suspended or injured person be reached and recovered promptly with available people, equipment and communication?

  12. 12

    Change and stop-work

    Are workers expected to stop and reassess after equipment damage, weather change, altered access or conflicting activity?

Useful evidence examples

  • Overview showing edge, access and work position
  • Equipment identifier and pre-use condition
  • Anchor or collective-protection arrangement
  • Dropped-object exclusion below
  • Rescue equipment, access and responsible team

Common findings

  • Open edge exposed during material transfer
  • Ladder used as a work platform for a prolonged task
  • Incompatible connector or damaged lanyard
  • No verified fall clearance below the worker
  • Rescue plan exists on paper but equipment is not at the work area

Corrective-action pattern

  • Stop exposure when the control system is incomplete
  • Use a competent person to redesign or confirm the method
  • Remove damaged equipment from use
  • Rebrief affected workers
  • Verify the full setup before restarting

Working-at-height boundary

  • This checklist does not calculate fall clearance or certify anchorage
  • Equipment inspection must follow its manufacturer and applicable rules
  • Rescue capability must be real, available and practiced for the selected system

Working at height questions

Is wearing a harness enough?

No. The complete system includes task design, anchor, connectors, clearance, swing risk, user competence and rescue.

Can a ladder be used for every short task?

No. Suitability depends on the task, duration, load, access, stability and applicable requirements.

What should trigger a new check?

Changed weather, access, equipment, work sequence, personnel, surrounding operations or any damage should trigger reassessment.

Can Fenwix record pre-use evidence?

Yes. Notes and photos can be attached to the relevant checklist result in the current local workflow.

Connect height-work controls

Scaffold checklist →Workplace safety checklist →Photo evidence →Corrective action →

Review the complete height-work system

Confirm the task, collective and personal controls, environment and rescue together; stop work when one part no longer matches the plan.

Use this checklist in Fenwix

Content status: CURRENT · Last reviewed: 2026-08-16

Claim basis: Fenwix independently authored field checklist content · Fenwix current application flow · Fenwix editorial accuracy standard