--- title: Is Training Necessary For Work At Height? - Ability International description: If you’re looking to take on a job that requires you to work at height, you may be wondering whether any training is necessary. The answer is yes, and here we explain why, and what exactly is required image: https://www.abilityint.com/hubfs/Images/product-school-GajrOEN6m4-unsplash-1-1536x1024.webp --- [01832 770759](tel:01832770759)[sales@abilityint.com](mailto:sales@abilityint.com) [01832 770759](tel:01832770759)[sales@abilityint.com](mailto:sales@abilityint.com) [![Ability International Logo](https://www.abilityint.com/hubfs/Ability%20International%20Logo.svg "Ability International Logo")](https://www.abilityint.com/) [![Ability International Logo](https://www.abilityint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-1.png?width=183&height=50&name=logo-1.png "Ability International Logo")](https://www.abilityint.com/) - [Home](https://www.abilityint.com) - About - [About Us](https://www.abilityint.com/about) - [Health & Safety](https://www.abilityint.com/health-and-safety) - [Hire](https://www.abilityint.com/hire) - [Repair](https://www.abilityint.com/repair) - [Site Survey](https://www.abilityint.com/request-a-site-survey) - [Testimonials](https://www.abilityint.com/testimonials) - 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[Why Do You Need A DeskSurfer?](https://www.abilityint.com/why-do-you-need-a-desksurfer) - Components - [Extruded Couplers](https://www.abilityint.com/extruded-couplers) - [Extruded Stabiliser Tees](https://www.abilityint.com/extruded-stabiliser-tees) - [Extruded Hooks](https://www.abilityint.com/extruded-hooks) - [Extruded Stabiliser Clamps](https://www.abilityint.com/extruded-stabiliser-clamps) - [Extruded Frame Catch](https://www.abilityint.com/extruded-frame-catch) - [Machined Spigots](https://www.abilityint.com/machined-spigots) - [DeskSurfer Spares/Parts](https://www.abilityint.com/desksurfer-spares/parts) - Training - [Training](https://www.abilityint.com/training) - [Online Training](https://www.abilityint.com/online-training) - Resources - [DeskSurfers Guide](https://www.abilityint.com/desksurfers-guide) - [Working At Height Guide](https://www.abilityint.com/working-at-height-guide) - [Blog](https://www.abilityint.com/blog) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7885436/interactive-190414916974.png)](https://www.abilityint.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKLh%2BP2c25YvLTtcurwJIUNsO1kEdrbIL3b%2BJLRVh1Eq1mDByAYEYzFbzSjpn4HXElRtxbuiHVijrijgkJpv9dZS7I1qRUTCHQFbSmIlzqGLJSGPY7jJ21%2BJ3APwWQYTjfL2hL3LCVVgACnSy8AdeWukqRzN0fPLz6B8Kp8vsDPSA%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=190414916974&portalId=7885436) 27 Maxwell RoadWoodston, PeterboroughCambridgeshire PE2 7JE [01832 770759](tel:01832770759)[sales@abilityint.com](mailto:sales@abilityint.com) [Work At Height Equipment](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/work-at-height-equipment)[injuries at work](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/injuries-at-work) [Working at heights](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/working-at-heights) # Is Training Necessary For Work At Height? by [Admin](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/author/admin) 2 min read Aug 22, 2025, 11:38:31 AM ![product-school-GajrOEN6m4-unsplash-1-1536x1024](https://www.abilityint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/product-school-GajrOEN6m4-unsplash-1-1536x1024.webp?width=691&height=461&name=product-school-GajrOEN6m4-unsplash-1-1536x1024.webp) If you’re looking to take on a job that requires you[to work at height](https://www.abilityint.com/), you may be wondering whether any training is necessary. The answer is yes, and here we explain why, and what exactly is required: [![Working-at-Height-Guide-LONG-CTA.1](https://www.abilityint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Working-at-Height-Guide-LONG-CTA.1.webp?width=691&height=269&name=Working-at-Height-Guide-LONG-CTA.1.webp)](https://www.abilityint.com/working-at-height-guide) ## **The Importance Of Training** HSE requires everyone carrying out work at height, or using equipment for work at height, to undergo some formal training. According to HSE: “*MEWP operators should have attended a recognised operator training course and received a certificate, card, or license, listing the categories of MEWP the bearer is trained to operate.*” \[[https://www.hse.gov.uk/](https://www.hse.gov.uk/)\] “*This requirement is due to the dangerous nature of working from height. Falls caused by this manner of work is the most common cause of accidents in the workplace. In fact, RIDDOR statistics show that in 2015, 36% of all employee injuries were the result of slips and falls*.” \[[https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/](https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/)\] As an employer, it is your responsibility that your employees have undergone the necessary tower scaffold training courses. ## **MEWP Operator Training Categories** All manner of [access platform equipment require specific training in order to work at height safely](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/5-good-reasons-why-you-should-invest-in-working-at-height-equipment). This includes everything from a hydraulic platform, to simple step ladders. The categories include: **Static Vertical (1a):** Vertical personnel platforms (static) **Static Boom (1b, 1b+):** Self-propelled booms (outriggers), trailers/push-arounds, vehicle-mounted platforms **Mobile Vertical (3a, 3a+):** Scissor lifts, vertical personnel platforms (mobile) **Mobile Boom (3b, 3b+):** Self-propelled booms **Push Around Vertical (PAV):** Push around verticals ## **Familiarisations** After the course has been completed, there will be model specific procedures that will need familiarisation. These include: • Instructions and warnings from manufacturers • Special model features • Specific model control functions • Safety device functions • Emergency lowering procedures • Whether the equipment requires a lanyard or harness ## **Scaffold Towers** If you are involved in the assembly, moving, or dismantling of a [scaffold tower](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/buying-leasing-or-renting-scaffold-tower-ability-international), you should have formal training. If you are working on a tower that has been assembled for you, you do not need formal training however, you need to be aware of the risks involved with the task or supervised by somebody who is. ## **Ladders And Stepladders** Although ladders are a piece of traditional equipment, they are largely misused for jobs that require a person to work at height. Formal training for this isn’t always required, but it is readily available, and Ability International offers a course in the safe use and inspection of portable ladders and steps. While many consider it unnecessary, we recommend ladder training to avoid any accidents or legal implications that can follow. ## **Ability International Training** Here at Ability International Ltd, we offer professional and certificated training for all types of Work at Height. Our courses range from steps and ladders through to custom built, sophisticated tower systems. Visit [our website](https://www.abilityint.com/training) to browse our full list of courses including our on-line e-learning options. [![Working-at-Height-Guide-LARGE-CTA.1](https://www.abilityint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Working-at-Height-Guide-LARGE-CTA.1.webp?width=650&height=363&name=Working-at-Height-Guide-LARGE-CTA.1.webp)](https://www.abilityint.com/working-at-height-guide) - Recent - Topics - Archive Recent Topics - [Working At Height (70)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/working-at-height) - [injuries at work (23)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/injuries-at-work) - [Working at heights (22)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/working-at-heights) - [Work At Height Equipment (21)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/work-at-height-equipment) - [desksurfer (20)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/desksurfer) - [Working At Height Equipment (16)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/working-at-height-equipment) - [Health & Safety (10)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/health-safety) - [access platform (7)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/access-platform) - [Scaffold tower hire (6)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/scaffold-tower-hire) - [injuries (4)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/injuries) - [Rent a scaffold tower (3)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/rent-a-scaffold-tower) - [Scaffold tower for sale (3)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/scaffold-tower-for-sale) - [Work At Height Violation (3)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/work-at-height-violation) - [work related injuries (3)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/work-related-injuries) - [Chimney Access (2)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/chimney-access) - [Scaffold tower lease (1)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/scaffold-tower-lease) - [Servicing Work Equipment (1)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/servicing-work-equipment) - [case studies (1)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/case-studies) - [scary facts (1)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/scary-facts) See all Archive - [August 2026 (2)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/archive/2026/08) - [July 2026 (2)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/archive/2026/07) - [June 2026 (4)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/archive/2026/06) - [May 2026 (2)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/archive/2026/05) - [April 2026 (2)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/archive/2026/04) - [January 2026 (1)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/archive/2026/01) - [December 2025 (1)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/archive/2025/12) - [November 2025 (1)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/archive/2025/11) - [August 2025 (109)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/archive/2025/08) - [May 2025 (2)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/archive/2025/05) - [April 2025 (3)](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/archive/2025/04) See all ### Subscribe by email Share this [Share on X](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https://www.abilityint.com/blog/is-training-necessary-for-work-at-height-ability-international&text=Is+Training+Necessary+For+Work+At+Height%3F+-+Ability+International) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.abilityint.com/blog/is-training-necessary-for-work-at-height-ability-international&t=Is+Training+Necessary+For+Work+At+Height%3F+-+Ability+International) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.abilityint.com/blog/is-training-necessary-for-work-at-height-ability-international&t=Is+Training+Necessary+For+Work+At+Height%3F+-+Ability+International) Previous story [← Optimising Work At Height Safety During COVID-19](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/during-covid-19-optimising-work-at-height-safety) Next story [Access Equipment: What Is It And Why Do You Need It? →](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/what-is-access-equipment-why-do-you-need-it) ## You May Also Like These Related Stories [5 Good Reasons Why You Should Invest In Working At Height Equipment](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/5-good-reasons-why-you-should-invest-in-working-at-height-equipment) ![5 good reasons why you should invest in working at height equipment](https://www.abilityint.com/hubfs/Images/precondo-ca-OlSGcrLSYkw-unsplash-1024x576.webp) [Working At Height](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/working-at-height) ### 5 Good Reasons Why You Should Invest In Working At Height Equipment Aug 22, 2025, 11:38:34 AM 2 min read [The Difference Mandatory Training Can Make: Ontario Reduces Fall From Height Injuries By 19%](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/ontario-reduces-fall-from-height-injuries-by-19) ![Two construction workers discussing how to build at height safely.](https://www.abilityint.com/hubfs/Images/The-Difference-Mandatory-Training-Can-Make-Ontario-Reduces-Fall-From-Height-Injuries-By-19.webp) [Working At Height](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/working-at-height) ### The Difference Mandatory Training Can Make: Ontario Reduces Fall From Height Injuries By 19% Aug 22, 2025, 11:44:12 AM 2 min read [Why Is It Important To Get Training And Follow Instructions Before Working At Height?](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/role-of-getting-training-amp-instructions-before-working-at-height) ![Male worker using rope access for industrial tasks at height which emphasises the importance of proper training and following instructions for safety.](https://www.abilityint.com/hubfs/Why-Is-It-Important-To-Get-Training-And-Follow-Instructions-Before-Working-At-Height-1024x745.webp) [Working At Height](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/working-at-height) ### Why Is It Important To Get Training And Follow Instructions Before Working At Height? Aug 22, 2025, 11:41:51 AM 2 min read ### Get Email Notifications #### [![Ability International Logo](https://www.abilityint.com/hubfs/Ability%20International%20Logo.svg)](https://www.abilityint.com/) Since 1987, Ability has been crafting innovative solutions for elevated work environments. 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