Working at Heights – Safety, Regulations, and Responsibilities

Working at heights is considered one of the most dangerous types of work in the world, often involving significant risks to the health and life of employees.

Regardless of the industry — whether construction, energy, or maintenance — work at heights requires particular attention and strict compliance with health and safety regulations. In Poland, these matters are regulated by a number of legal acts, including the Labour Code and ordinances issued by the Minister of Labour and Social Policy. Proper adherence to these standards is essential to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure safe working conditions.

Legal Definition and Risks

According to Polish regulations, work at height refers to any activity carried out at least one meter above the ground or another stable surface. This includes work performed on scaffolding, ladders, roofs, towers, or any area where there is a risk of falling.

The greatest hazard associated with working at heights is falling, which can cause serious injuries or even death. Falls are the most common cause of accidents among workers performing height-related tasks. Therefore, it is crucial to apply proper safety measures, use certified protective equipment, and follow occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures to effectively reduce these risks.

Legal Framework and Certification

Work at heights — including industrial rope access — in Poland is governed by numerous legal standards designed to ensure maximum worker safety.

The fundamental safety principles are laid out in the Labour Code and in detailed OHS regulations. Employers are obligated to provide suitable working conditions and appropriate protective equipment.

An important element is proper certification — for example, the IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) certificate, one of the most recognized international qualifications confirming a worker’s skills and competence in rope access techniques.

The Employer’s Responsibilities

The employer plays a key role in ensuring workplace safety. Their obligations include:

Providing mandatory OHS training — both initial and periodic — for all employees performing height-related work. These trainings cover safety procedures, the proper use of protective equipment, and first aid in case of accidents.
Ensuring the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as harnesses, ropes, energy absorbers, helmets, and other accessories that prevent or mitigate the consequences of falls.
Supplying high-quality equipment, which must undergo regular technical inspections.
Assessing and securing the workplace before starting any height-related tasks.

Before any work begins, it is essential to evaluate on-site conditions, ensure the area is closed off to unauthorized persons, and confirm that the terrain is stable. Work should not be carried out during adverse weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, or storms. Proper lighting and stable, technically sound scaffolding, ladders, or platforms are also mandatory.

The Company’s and Employee’s Responsibilities

A height work company bears responsibility for providing safe working conditions and appropriate protective equipment for its employees. This includes establishing procedures for working at heights, monitoring compliance with OHS rules, and conducting regular safety briefings and refresher training.

Employees, in turn, are required to:

Follow the employer’s instructions,
Use proper protective equipment,
Comply with all safety procedures.

Every employee also has the right to refuse work if the conditions pose a threat to their health or life.

Summary

Working at heights demands particular attention, precision, and full compliance with safety regulations. It makes no difference whether the task involves façade repairs, window cleaning, roof snow removal, or installation work — proper safety measures, regular training, and supervision of procedures are essential.

Only through cooperation between the employer and the employee can a safe and healthy work environment be created. Compliance, training, and the right equipment are the foundation of safety in all height-related professions.

Safety work at heights