Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR)
These regulations apply whenever a person could fall a distance liable to cause injury, which includes many activities carried out on vehicles, such as securing loads, sheeting, or inspection work. Employers must:
- Avoid work at height where possible
- Use existing safe surfaces whenever available
- Provide suitable equipment (e.g. platforms, harnesses, steps) when work at height cannot be avoided
- Ensure workers are competent and trained.
Common causes of falls from vehicles
Falls frequently occur due to:
- Slipping on wet, dirty, or uneven surfaces
- Climbing on parts of the vehicle not designed for access
- Lack of suitable steps or handholds
- Overstretching while securing loads
- Jumping down from the vehicle
- Poor lighting, weather conditions, or PPE
- Time pressure or lack of training.
Recognising these hazards is the first step toward effective prevention. The following practical steps can help you reduce the risk.
Eliminate work at height where possible
Where feasible, tasks should be redesigned so workers don’t need to climb onto the vehicle at all. Examples include:
- Using automated sheeting systems
- Ground-level load-securing solutions
- Drive-through wash or inspection systems.
This aligns with the WAHR hierarchy of control: avoid work at height first.
Provide safe access equipment
If work at height cannot be eliminated, employers must ensure safe access:
- Purpose-built platforms or gantries for loading and inspection
- Mobile steps with guardrails
- Non-slip surfaces
- Clearly marked access points
- Vehicle-specific handholds and footholds.
Ladders should only be used when other safer options are not reasonably practicable, and they must be stable and inspected regularly.
Keep surfaces clean and well-maintained
Slips are a major contributor to falls. Good housekeeping is essential:
- Clear mud, ice, fuel, or debris from vehicle floors and walkways
- Maintain non-slip treads
- Ensure lighting is adequate, especially in yards and loading bays.
Train workers properly
Training should cover:
- Correct access and egress techniques
- Load securing from a safe position
- Use of fall-prevention equipment
- Hazards associated with weather, fatigue, and footwear
- Reporting unsafe conditions.
Workers should never have their back to the edge of the trailer if they are within 1 metre of it. Never walk backwards on a trailer. Workers should also be discouraged from jumping down from vehicles. This is a major contributor to injuries.
Use appropriate PPE
While PPE is the last line of defence, appropriate footwear with good grip can significantly reduce slip risks. High-visibility clothing is essential around moving vehicles.
Regular inspections and monitoring
Supervisors should carry out routine checks of:
- Access equipment
- Vehicle condition
- Compliance with safe working procedures.
Engaging employees in reporting hazards helps create a proactive safety culture.
Strengthening safety through practical, proactive measures
Falls from vehicles are preventable when employers follow UK legislation and apply sensible risk controls. By eliminating unnecessary work at height, providing safe access equipment, maintaining clean surfaces, and ensuring workers are trained and competent, organisations can significantly reduce incidents. A strong safety culture not only protects employees but also improves efficiency, morale, and legal compliance.
