--- title: What Does Working At Height Mean? - Ability International description: According to the HSE, work at height means “work in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. image: https://www.abilityint.com/hubfs/Images/bruce-mars-xj8qrWvuOEs-unsplash-1-1024x683.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) - 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[Aluminium Stair Ladder Tower](https://7885436.hs-sites.com/solutions/aluminium-stairladder-tower) - [Bili Folding Base Aluminium Tower](https://7885436.hs-sites.com/solutions/bili-folding-base-aluminium-tower) - #### **DeskSurfers** - [DeskSurfer Over Desk Access Platform](https://7885436.hs-sites.com/desksurfer-over-desk-access-platform) - [DeskSurfer Bridging System](https://7885436.hs-sites.com/desksurfer-bridging-system) - [DeskSurfer Guide](https://7885436.hs-sites.com/desksurfers-guide) - #### **CHAMP** - [Height Adjustable Mobile Platform](https://7885436.hs-sites.com/height-adjustable-mobile-platform-champ) - Training - [Training](https://www.abilityint.com/training) - [Online Training](https://www.abilityint.com/online-training) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.abilityint.com/blog) More results [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7885436/interactive-190414916974.png)](https://www.abilityint.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLcCB8%2FnZiQKvaug6MB%2FC1qfcDiH67YXXXcUnF1Nq1Q03Za8x88r3Yz%2FVq97YGBN7H7rcauyASwvIpfHoxBwBXQrb9DPUVhtwYXpczQiCiK8aV2DjsBwUiIO1y6hs57rpewa89fpkMAIVrcadIdFhh8%2FMKBdqn%2FqAu4B0tR%2F2aFTg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=190414916974&portalId=7885436) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7885436/interactive-190414916974.png)](https://www.abilityint.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLcCB8%2FnZiQKvaug6MB%2FC1qfcDiH67YXXXcUnF1Nq1Q03Za8x88r3Yz%2FVq97YGBN7H7rcauyASwvIpfHoxBwBXQrb9DPUVhtwYXpczQiCiK8aV2DjsBwUiIO1y6hs57rpewa89fpkMAIVrcadIdFhh8%2FMKBdqn%2FqAu4B0tR%2F2aFTg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=190414916974&portalId=7885436) - [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) - Products - Aluminum Scaffold Towers - [Ability Scaffold Towers](https://www.abilityint.com/ability-scaffold-towers) - [Aluminum Stairladder Tower](https://www.abilityint.com/solutions/aluminium-stairladder-tower) - [Bili Folding Base Aluminum Tower](https://www.abilityint.com/solutions/bili-folding-base-aluminium-tower) - [CHAMP](https://www.abilityint.com/height-adjustable-mobile-platform-champ) - Chimney Roof Access Ladders - [Adjust Abil Roof Ladder](https://www.abilityint.com/solutions/adjust-abil-roof-ladder) - [CARS Unit](https://www.abilityint.com/solutions/cars-unit) - [FASE (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment)](https://www.abilityint.com/solutions/fase-fall-arrest-safety-equipment) - 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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=AVxigLLcCB8%2FnZiQKvaug6MB%2FC1qfcDiH67YXXXcUnF1Nq1Q03Za8x88r3Yz%2FVq97YGBN7H7rcauyASwvIpfHoxBwBXQrb9DPUVhtwYXpczQiCiK8aV2DjsBwUiIO1y6hs57rpewa89fpkMAIVrcadIdFhh8%2FMKBdqn%2FqAu4B0tR%2F2aFTg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=190414916974&portalId=7885436) 27 Maxwell RoadWoodston, PeterboroughCambridgeshire PE2 7JE [01832 770759](tel:01832770759)[sales@abilityint.com](mailto:sales@abilityint.com) [Working At Height](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/working-at-height) # What Does Working At Height Mean? by [Admin](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/author/admin) 2 min read Aug 22, 2025, 11:38:16 AM ![bruce-mars-xj8qrWvuOEs-unsplash-1-1024x683](https://www.abilityint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/bruce-mars-xj8qrWvuOEs-unsplash-1-1024x683.webp?width=691&height=461&name=bruce-mars-xj8qrWvuOEs-unsplash-1-1024x683.webp) According to the HSE, work at height means “work in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.” More specifically, you are working at height if you could fall from an edge, a fragile surface or an opening; you’re working above floor/ground level; you could fall from ground level into a hole or opening in the floor. [![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) However, because a fall from height has to involve falling from one level to another, it doesn’t include a trip or slip on a high level or walking up and down a permanent staircase. ## Working At Height Legislation: What You Need To Know HSE, PUWER and LOLER are the legislative bodies which cover working at height solutions and equipment. Let’s take a look at these in more detail: LOLER: The Lifting Operation and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) place responsibilities on companies and equipment managers who operate, own or control lifting equipment. Only applying to MEWPs, under LOLER, all operations involving lifting equipment must be planned by a competent person and the equipment must be fit for purpose. Any maintenance work and defects should also be reported. HSE: The Health and Safety Executive is the government agency responsible for the regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare in the UK. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all work at height where a fall could cause personal injury. PUWER: The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 place duties on companies and people who operate, own or control work equipment. However, PUWER also places responsibility on organisations and businesses whose employees use work at height equipment, whether they own it or not. ## Ability’s Working At Height Platforms Here at [Ability International](https://www.abilityint.com/), we have a range of high-quality working at height platforms. Manufactured in the UK using the latest technology, we offer bespoke, original products to help prevent workplace disruption. Our selection includes: [• Aluminium scaffold towers](https://www.abilityint.com/ability-scaffold-towers) [• Desksurfers](https://www.abilityint.com/desksurfer-over-desk-access-platform) [• Desksurfer bridges](https://www.abilityint.com/desksurfer-bridging-system) [• CHAMPs](https://www.abilityint.com/height-adjustable-mobile-platform-champ) [• Chimney access equipment](https://www.abilityint.com/aluminium-sectional-roof-ladder) [• Custom access solutions](https://www.abilityint.com/custom-built-access-products) [• Components (spigots, hooks, frame catches etc.)](https://www.abilityint.com/) To find out more about the range of working at height solutions available at Ability International, [contact a member of our team today](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/hcontact). We are happy to talk in more detail about your specific requirements. [![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/what-does-working-at-height-mean-ability-international&text=What+Does+Working+At+Height+Mean%3F+-+Ability+International) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.abilityint.com/blog/what-does-working-at-height-mean-ability-international&t=What+Does+Working+At+Height+Mean%3F+-+Ability+International) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.abilityint.com/blog/what-does-working-at-height-mean-ability-international&t=What+Does+Working+At+Height+Mean%3F+-+Ability+International) Previous story [← 5 Key Reasons To Invest In Specialist Chimney Access Equipment](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/5-reasons-to-invest-in-specialist-chimney-access-equipment) Next story [The Importance Of Routinely Servicing Work Equipment →](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/importance-of-routinely-servicing-work-equipment) ## You May Also Like These Related Stories [What Are Work At Height Training Courses Looking Like In 2023?](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/what-do-working-at-height-training-courses-look-like) ![Man using a laptop looking at working at height training courses](https://www.abilityint.com/hubfs/Images/What-Are-Working-At-Height-Training-Courses-Looking-Like-In-2023-1.webp) [Working At Height](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/working-at-height) ### What Are Work At Height Training Courses Looking Like In 2023? Aug 22, 2025, 11:42:09 AM 2 min read [4 Things You Should Not Do When Working At Height](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/4-things-you-should-not-do-when-working-at-height-ability-international) ![4 Things You Should Not Do When Working At Height](https://www.abilityint.com/hubfs/Images/4-things-you-should-not-do-working-at-height-min-1024x1024.webp) [Working At Height](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/working-at-height) ### 4 Things You Should Not Do When Working At Height Aug 22, 2025, 11:44:14 AM 2 min read [Failure to Follow Height Safety Rules Leads to Worker’s Fatal Fall](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/failure-to-follow-height-safety-rules-lead-to-workers-fatal-fall) ![Failure to Follow Height Safety Rules Lead to Worker’s Fatal Fall](https://www.abilityint.com/hubfs/Failure-to-Follow-Height-Safety-Rules-Leads-to-Workers-Fatal-Fall-768x524.webp) [Working At Height](https://www.abilityint.com/blog/tag/working-at-height) ### Failure to Follow Height Safety Rules Leads to Worker’s Fatal Fall Aug 22, 2025, 11:43:58 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. Our unique products, like the Desksurfer, stand as testaments to our commitment to practicality and originality.  [tel:01832770759](tel:01832770759)[mailto:sales@abilityint.com](mailto:sales@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) Downloads - [Working At Heights Guide](https://www.abilityint.com/working-at-height-guide) - [Guide To DeskSurfers](https://www.abilityint.com/desksurfers-guide) Company - [Blog](https://www.abilityint.com/blog) - [Training](https://www.abilityint.com/training) - [Online Training](https://www.abilityint.com/online-training) Contact - [Request A Site Survey](https://www.abilityint.com/request-a-site-survey) - [Request A Quote](https://www.abilityint.com/request-a-quote) - [Contact Us](https://www.abilityint.com/contact) Copyright © 2026 Ability International  |  Company: 2043599  |  VAT: 445 661 831 - [Terms](https://www.abilityint.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy](https://www.abilityint.com/privacy-policy) - [Cookies](https://www.abilityint.com/cookie-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "According to the HSE, work at height means “work in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.", "inLanguage" : "en-GB", "name" : "What Does Working At Height Mean? - Ability International", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.abilityint.com/hubfs/Ability%20International%20Logo.svg" }, "name" : "Ability International Limited", "url" : "https://www.abilityint.com/" }, "url" : "https://www.abilityint.com/blog/what-does-working-at-height-mean-ability-international" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.abilityint.com/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.abilityint.com/blog/what-does-working-at-height-mean-ability-international", "name" : "What Does Working At Height Mean?", "position" : 2 } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Admin", "url" : "https://www.abilityint.com/blog/author/admin" }, "dateModified" : "2026-01-15T09:24:54.094Z", "datePublished" : "2025-08-22T10:38:16.000Z", "headline" : "What Does Working At Height Mean? - Ability International", "image" : [ "https://www.abilityint.com/hubfs/Images/bruce-mars-xj8qrWvuOEs-unsplash-1-1024x683.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.abilityint.com/blog/what-does-working-at-height-mean-ability-international", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.abilityint.com/hubfs/Ability%20Logo.jpg" }, "name" : "Ability International Ltd" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "UK", "addressLocality" : "Peterborough", "addressRegion" : "Cambridgeshire", "postalCode" : "PE2 7JE", "streetAddress" : "27 Maxwell Rd" }, "alternateName" : "Ability International", "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "GB", "availableLanguage" : "en", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+44 1832 226445" }, "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 52.5547, "longitude" : -0.229 }, "image" : "https://7885436.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7885436/hubfs/Ability%20International.webp", "logo" : "https://www.abilityint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-1.png", "name" : "Ability International Limited", "openingHoursSpecification" : [ { "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification", "closes" : "17:00", "dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ], "opens" : "08:00" } ], "priceRange" : "£", "sameAs" : [ "https://x.com/abilityinterna1?lang=en-GB", "https://www.instagram.com/abilityinternational/", "https://www.facebook.com/abilityinternationallimited/", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/ability-international-ltd/?originalSubdomain=uk" ], "telephone" : "01832 770759", "url" : "https://www.abilityint.com/" } ```