How to Record a Working at Height Video for Your Health and Safety System

Recording a working at height video for your Health and Safety System ensures that everyone in your organisation understands the serious risks of falls and their role in preventing them. Falls from height continue to be the single biggest cause of major injury in the workplace. Your video content must cover the regulatory requirements, hierarchy of control, planning processes, and equipment standards that keep people safe when working above ground level.

This guide takes you through the process of creating comprehensive working at height training content that protects employees and others from falls that can cause serious injury or death.

Step 1: Set the Scene and Context

The opening of your working at height video needs to establish immediately why this topic demands serious attention. Viewers must understand that falls from height represent the most significant injury risk in many workplaces before you explore the technical requirements.

Opening with the Scale of the Risk

Begin your video by explaining just how significant falls from height are as a cause of workplace injury. This context helps viewers appreciate why working at height receives such attention and why their cooperation with safety measures protects everyone.

Sample script for your opening:

"Today we're covering working at height - and this is one of the most important safety topics you'll hear about. Falls from height continue to be the single biggest cause of major injury in the workplace. As part of our cleaning schedules, maintenance activities like changing light bulbs, and accessing stock or materials, there will be times when staff need to work at height. We understand that to manage the safety and health of everyone - our workforce and anyone else in our premises - we must consider working at height as part of our operations. This video explains how we manage those risks and what you need to know."

Defining What Counts as Working at Height

Your video should clarify what working at height actually means. The definition is broader than many people assume, and understanding this helps viewers recognise when the requirements apply.

Sample script for the definition:

"Work at height is any place where a person could be injured falling from it - even if it is at or below ground level. That means working on a step ladder, accessing a high shelf, using a platform, or even working near an open edge at floor level. If you could be hurt by falling from where you're standing, it counts as working at height, and these procedures apply."

Talking points for the definition:

• Working at height includes any position where a fall could cause injury
• This applies even at or below ground level in some circumstances
• Activities like changing light bulbs, cleaning, and accessing stock often involve height work
• The regulations apply regardless of how routine or quick the task seems

Establishing the Legal Framework

Your video should outline the key regulations that govern working at height. Understanding this framework helps viewers appreciate that these requirements are legal obligations designed to prevent the leading cause of major workplace injuries.

Talking points for the legal framework:

• The Work at Height Amendment Regulations 2007 govern this area
• Risk assessments must be conducted for all working at height
• A specific hierarchy of control must be followed
• Responsible Persons have defined duties to fulfil
• Non-compliance puts people at serious risk of major injury

Sample script for explaining legislation:

"The Work at Height Amendment Regulations 2007 set out what we must do to manage these risks. Every task that involves working at height needs a risk assessment. That assessment must follow a specific hierarchy of control - I'll explain what that means shortly. Responsible Persons in our organisation have duties to ensure work at height is properly managed. These aren't guidelines - they're legal requirements because falls cause so many serious injuries."

Who Has Responsibilities

Explain clearly who holds responsibilities for working at height within your organisation. Responsible Persons have specific duties, but everyone who works at height must understand and follow safe procedures.

Sample script for responsibilities:

"Responsible Persons must ensure that all our working at height requirements are met. They're accountable for making sure work is planned, people are trained, equipment is suitable and inspected, and procedures are followed. But if you're the person going up a ladder or accessing materials at height, you're responsible for following the safe systems of work we've put in place. Your safety depends on everyone playing their part."

Step 2: Plan What to Record vs Write

Your working at height content works best as a combination of video explanations and written reference materials. This section helps you decide which elements benefit from visual demonstration and which should remain as documents that viewers can consult when needed.

Content That Works Well on Video

Certain working at height topics benefit significantly from video format. Visual demonstrations of correct equipment use and safe techniques are particularly valuable for this topic.

Topics ideal for video recording:

• Overview of why falls from height are so dangerous
• Explanation of the hierarchy of control
• Demonstration of correct step ladder set-up and use
• Showing three-point contact technique
• Visual inspection of equipment before use
• Explanation of when different types of access equipment are appropriate
• Staff responsibilities and how to report concerns
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them
• What to do if equipment is defective

Sample script introducing video content:

"In this video, I'll explain why working at height is so risky, walk you through the hierarchy of control we must follow, and demonstrate how to use step ladders safely. I'll show you what to check before using access equipment and explain the key rules that keep you safe. For detailed task-specific procedures and inspection checklists, you'll find those in our written documentation."

Content Better Suited to Written Documentation

Some working at height information requires precision and regular reference that video format cannot provide effectively. These elements should be maintained as written documents that complement your video training.

Topics better as written materials:

• Specific risk assessments for different height tasks
• Equipment inspection checklists and records
• Detailed procedures for particular access equipment
• Maintenance schedules for ladders and platforms
• Training records and competency assessments
• Incident report forms and investigation procedures
• Contact details for equipment suppliers and inspectors
• Technical specifications for different equipment types

Structuring the Video-Document Relationship

Your video should signpost viewers towards written documentation at appropriate moments. This creates a coherent training system where video provides understanding and documents provide operational detail.

Sample script linking to documentation:

"The written procedures contain task-specific risk assessments, equipment inspection checklists, and detailed guidance for particular types of access equipment. What I'm explaining in this video is the principles that apply to all working at height - once you understand these, the detailed procedures will make more sense and you'll know why they matter."

Planning Your Recording Structure

Map out the specific sections of your video before recording. A clear structure ensures you cover all essential topics without unnecessary repetition and helps viewers follow the logical progression of information.

Suggested video structure:

1. Introduction and why falls are the biggest injury risk (2-3 minutes)
2. What counts as working at height (2-3 minutes)
3. The hierarchy of control explained (4-5 minutes)
4. Responsible Person duties (3-4 minutes)
5. Step ladder safety and standards (5-6 minutes)
6. Equipment inspection requirements (3-4 minutes)
7. Other control measures (3-4 minutes)
8. Common mistakes to avoid (4-5 minutes)
9. Summary and key takeaways (2-3 minutes)

Step 3: Explain the Core Rules and Requirements

This section of your video must convey the fundamental requirements for working at height. Viewers need to understand the hierarchy of control, planning requirements, and equipment standards that form the basis of safe height work.

The Hierarchy of Control

The hierarchy of control is the foundation of all working at height management. Your video must explain this clearly so viewers understand the thinking behind all other requirements.

Sample script for the hierarchy of control:

"Risk assessment for working at height must follow a specific hierarchy of control. First, avoid working at height wherever possible. Ask whether the task really needs someone to go up high, or whether there's another way. Second, where you cannot avoid working at height, use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls. That might mean proper platforms, guard rails, or other collective protection. Third, where you cannot eliminate the risk of a fall completely, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur. This hierarchy isn't optional - it's the required approach."

Talking points for the hierarchy:

• First priority: avoid working at height wherever possible
• Second priority: prevent falls where height work is unavoidable
• Third priority: minimise fall distance and consequences where falls cannot be prevented
• Each level must be considered before moving to the next
• The hierarchy applies to every working at height task

Responsible Person Duties

Responsible Persons have specific obligations that ensure working at height is properly managed. Your video must explain these duties clearly.

Sample script for Responsible Person duties:

"Responsible Persons must ensure several things are in place. All work at height must be properly planned and organised - no one should be improvising. Work at height should take place outside of opening hours where possible, to reduce risk to others. Those involved must be trained and competent. The place where work at height is done must be safe. Equipment must be properly inspected. The risks from fragile surfaces must be properly controlled. The risk from falling objects must be properly controlled. And there must be suitable light levels to allow work at height to be undertaken safely."

Talking points for Responsible Person duties:

• All work at height properly planned and organised
• Work timed to reduce risk to others where possible
• Only trained and competent people involved
• Work location made safe
• Equipment properly inspected
• Fragile surface risks controlled
• Falling object risks controlled
• Suitable lighting provided

Planning and Organisation

Every instance of working at height must be properly planned and organised. Your video should explain what this means in practice.

Sample script for planning:

"All work at height must be properly planned and organised. That means thinking through the task before starting - what equipment is needed, who will do the work, what hazards exist, what controls will be used. Planning isn't just for major jobs; even a quick task like changing a light bulb needs someone to have thought about the safest way to do it. Improvising at height is how people get hurt."

Training and Competence

Only trained and competent people should carry out work at height. Your video must emphasise this requirement.

Sample script for training:

"Those involved in work at height must be trained and competent. Training covers how to assess risks, select appropriate equipment, set up and use that equipment correctly, and recognise when something isn't safe. Competence means having the skills, knowledge, and experience to do the work safely. Just because someone is willing to go up a ladder doesn't mean they're competent to do so. If you haven't been trained for a particular task at height, don't attempt it."

Equipment Inspection

Equipment for work at height must be properly inspected before use. Your video should explain what inspection involves and why it matters.

Sample script for inspection:

"Equipment for work at height must be properly inspected. That means checking it before every use - is there any damage, are all parts present and working correctly, is it suitable for this specific task? Defective equipment must be removed from service immediately. Don't use equipment you're unsure about, and don't assume someone else has checked it. The few seconds it takes to inspect equipment could prevent a fall."

Timing of Work

Where possible, work at height should be timed to reduce risk to others. Your video should explain this consideration.

Sample script for timing:

"All work at height should take place outside of opening hours where possible. This reduces the risk to others who might be in the area. If work must happen while others are present, additional controls are needed - barriers, warning signs, someone to keep the area clear. Planning the timing of height work is part of managing the overall risk."

Environmental Considerations

Safe working at height requires appropriate conditions including lighting. Your video should address these factors.

Sample script for conditions:

"There must be suitable light levels to allow working at height to be undertaken safely. You need to see what you're doing, see where you're putting your feet, and spot any hazards. Working at height in poor light dramatically increases risk. If the lighting isn't adequate, either improve it or postpone the task until it is."

Step 4: Demonstrate or Walk Through the Process

This section of your video shows viewers how working at height safety works in practice. Walking through processes, particularly step ladder use, helps viewers understand correct techniques.

Walking Through Step Ladder Safety

Step ladders are common access equipment that require specific safe practices. Your video should demonstrate these clearly.

Sample script for step ladder introduction:

"Step ladders are commonly used for accessing height, so let me walk you through how to use them safely. First, understand when step ladders are appropriate. They're only to be used for short duration work - less than 30 minutes. If the task will take longer, you need different access equipment. Step ladders are a last resort, only used where no other suitable form of access is available."

Talking points for step ladder standards:

• Only for short duration work (less than 30 minutes)
• Industrial standard only - BS EN131
• Must be correct size for the task
• Used correctly following all safety rules
• Only used where no other suitable access is available

Demonstrating Three-Point Contact

Three-point contact is a fundamental safety technique for ladder use. Your video should demonstrate and explain this clearly.

Sample script for three-point contact:

"When using a step ladder, three-point contact is required at all times. That means two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder at all times. This keeps you stable and gives you the best chance of catching yourself if you slip. The moment you break three-point contact, your risk of falling increases significantly. Also, the top three steps must not be used - they're too unstable for standing on safely."

Demonstrating Pre-Use Inspection

Every step ladder must be inspected before use. Your video should walk through what this inspection involves.

Sample script for inspection walkthrough:

"Before using any step ladder, inspect it. Check the stiles for cracks, splits, or corrosion. Check the steps are secure and not damaged. Check the hinges and spreaders work properly and lock in place. Check the feet are present and not worn. If you find any defects, don't use the ladder - remove it from service immediately and report it. Defective step ladders must be taken out of use straight away."

Walking Through Safe Positioning

Correct positioning of step ladders prevents many falls. Your video should demonstrate proper set-up.

Sample script for positioning:

"Position the step ladder on firm, level ground. Make sure all four feet are in contact with the floor. Open it fully so the spreaders lock. Position it so you can work facing the ladder, not reaching to the side. Never overreach - if you can't comfortably access what you need, come down and move the ladder. Step ladders must be kept clean and free of grease to avoid slips."

Demonstrating the Complete Process

Walk through a complete task from start to finish, showing all the safety steps in sequence.

Sample script for complete process:

"Let me show you a complete example. Before starting, I've checked this task is appropriate for a step ladder - it's short duration, under 30 minutes. The ladder is BS EN131 industrial standard and the right size for the task. I inspect it - no defects. I position it on firm level ground, fully opened. I climb maintaining three-point contact at all times. I don't use the top three steps. I don't overreach. When I'm done, I descend carefully, still maintaining three-point contact. The ladder goes back to proper storage, ready for the next person to inspect before use."

Step 5: Highlight Common Mistakes

Identifying common mistakes helps viewers understand where working at height safety often fails. Present each mistake with clear signs that indicate it's happening and practical ways to avoid it.

Mistake 1: No Risk Assessment

Signs this is happening:

• Work at height happening without prior planning
• Staff decide on the spot how to access height
• No documented assessment for height tasks
• Different people doing the same task in different ways
• "It's just a quick job" attitude to height work

How to avoid it:

• Conduct risk assessments for all working at height
• Follow the hierarchy of control in every assessment
• Document how height tasks should be carried out
• Ensure everyone knows the planned approach
• Treat all height work as requiring proper assessment

Mistake 2: Skipping the Hierarchy of Control

Signs this is happening:

• Step ladders used without considering alternatives
• No attempt to avoid working at height
• Fall prevention measures not considered
• Straight to "minimise consequences" without trying prevention
• Accepting height work as inevitable without question

How to avoid it:

• Always ask first: can we avoid working at height?
• Consider all options before accepting height work is necessary
• Where unavoidable, implement fall prevention measures
• Only move to consequence reduction when prevention isn't possible
• Document how the hierarchy was applied

Mistake 3: Using Unsuitable Equipment

Signs this is happening:

• Domestic ladders used in the workplace
• Equipment not rated for the task
• Wrong size ladder for the job
• Step ladders used for tasks over 30 minutes
• Equipment chosen for convenience rather than safety

How to avoid it:

• Only use industrial standard equipment (BS EN131 for step ladders)
• Select correct size equipment for each task
• Match equipment to task duration and requirements
• Remove non-compliant equipment from the workplace
• Provide appropriate equipment for all height tasks

Mistake 4: Skipping Pre-Use Inspection

Signs this is happening:

• Equipment used without checking first
• Assumption that someone else inspected it
• No visible inspection taking place before use
• Defects discovered during use rather than before
• "It was fine last time" reasoning

How to avoid it:

• Inspect equipment before every use
• Train everyone on what to check
• Make inspection a visible, expected step
• Provide inspection checklists where helpful
• Remove defective equipment immediately

Mistake 5: Improper Step Ladder Use

Signs this is happening:

• Standing on top three steps
• Not maintaining three-point contact
• Overreaching instead of repositioning
• Ladder not fully opened or locked
• Working sideways to the ladder

How to avoid it:

• Never stand on top three steps
• Maintain three-point contact at all times
• Reposition rather than overreach
• Always fully open and lock the ladder
• Face the ladder while working

Mistake 6: Using Defective Equipment

Signs this is happening:

• Damaged equipment still in use
• Bodged repairs on ladders or platforms
• "It'll do" attitude to equipment condition
• Defects reported but equipment not removed
• Worn or missing ladder feet

How to avoid it:

• Remove defective equipment from service immediately
• Never repair equipment unless properly qualified
• Report all defects promptly
• Mark defective equipment clearly as out of service
• Replace worn components before they fail

Mistake 7: Untrained People Working at Height

Signs this is happening:

• People working at height without formal training
• Assumption that common sense is sufficient
• No records of who has been trained
• New starters accessing height before training
• Training not covering specific equipment in use

How to avoid it:

• Train all staff before they work at height
• Keep records of training provided
• Include training on specific equipment used
• Assess competence, not just attendance
• Refresh training periodically

Mistake 8: Poor Planning and Organisation

Signs this is happening:

• Work at height happening spontaneously
• No thought given to timing or location
• Equipment gathered after climbing starts
• Work during busy periods creating additional hazards
• Multiple height tasks happening without coordination

How to avoid it:

• Properly plan and organise all work at height
• Schedule work outside opening hours where possible
• Ensure equipment and materials are ready before starting
• Coordinate multiple height tasks to avoid conflicts
• Think through the task before beginning

Mistake 9: Ignoring Environmental Conditions

Signs this is happening:

• Work at height in poor lighting
• Working near fragile surfaces without protection
• No measures against falling objects
• Outdoor height work in unsuitable weather
• Work area cluttered creating trip hazards

How to avoid it:

• Ensure suitable lighting for all height work
• Control risks from fragile surfaces
• Prevent objects falling on others below
• Postpone work if conditions are unsuitable
• Clear work areas of trip hazards

Mistake 10: Normalising Risk

Signs this is happening:

• "We've always done it this way" attitude
• Near misses not reported or investigated
• Falls from height seen as inevitable
• Cutting corners because nothing has gone wrong yet
• Pressure to complete work overriding safety

How to avoid it:

• Maintain standards regardless of past good luck
• Report and investigate near misses
• Treat fall prevention as always achievable
• Never allow time pressure to compromise safety
• Create culture where safety is non-negotiable

Step 6: Summarise the Key Takeaways

Close your video by reinforcing the essential messages. This summary helps viewers retain the most important information and understand their core responsibilities for working at height.

Essential Messages to Reinforce

Sample script for summary:

"Let me summarise the key points about working at height. Falls from height are the single biggest cause of major workplace injury - this is serious. Risk assessments must follow the hierarchy of control: avoid height work, prevent falls, minimise consequences. Responsible Persons must ensure work is planned, people are trained, equipment is inspected, and conditions are safe. Step ladders are only for short tasks under 30 minutes, must be industrial standard BS EN131, require three-point contact at all times, and the top three steps must never be used."

Individual Responsibilities

Remind viewers of their personal role in working at height safety regardless of their specific job function.

Sample script for personal responsibilities:

"Whatever your role, you have a part to play in height safety. If you're a Responsible Person, ensure all the required controls are in place. If you work at height, follow the procedures, use equipment correctly, maintain three-point contact, and never take shortcuts. Inspect equipment before every use. If something isn't right - wrong equipment, defective ladder, poor conditions - stop and report it. Your careful approach prevents you becoming another fall statistic."

The Serious Nature of Fall Risks

Emphasise that working at height deserves serious attention because falls cause more major injuries than anything else.

Sample script for risk emphasis:

"Falls from height remain the single biggest cause of major injury. People are killed and seriously injured in falls every year - often from relatively low heights, often doing routine tasks. The controls we have in place exist because falls really do cause devastating harm. Every time you work at height, take it seriously. The procedures aren't there to slow you down - they're there to make sure you go home safely."

Linking to Resources

Direct viewers to additional resources and support available to them.

Sample script for resources:

"The written procedures contain task-specific risk assessments, equipment inspection checklists, and detailed guidance. If you're unsure about any aspect of working at height, ask before you act. If equipment is defective, report it immediately. If conditions aren't safe, don't proceed. The support is there - use it."

Final Call to Action

End with a clear statement of what you want viewers to do with the information.

Sample script for closing:

"Working at height is serious, but the risks are manageable when everyone does their part. Follow the hierarchy of control. Use the right equipment, properly inspected. Maintain three-point contact on ladders. Never rush, never take shortcuts, never assume it'll be fine. Falls are preventable when we all take height work seriously. Thank you for engaging with this training - your commitment to these practices keeps everyone safe."

Recording Best Practices for Working at Height Content

When recording your working at height video, these practical tips help create effective training content.

Visual Considerations

Consider what visuals will support understanding of working at height concepts.

Visual suggestions:

• Demonstration of correct step ladder set-up and use
• Three-point contact technique shown clearly
• Equipment inspection walkthrough
• Comparison of correct and incorrect practices
• Examples of BS EN131 markings on compliant equipment
• Safe positioning versus overreaching

Presenting Practical Demonstrations

Working at height benefits from practical demonstrations more than many other topics.

Tips for demonstrations:

• Show the complete process, not just the climbing
• Demonstrate inspection as part of normal preparation
• Show three-point contact from angles that make it clear
• Demonstrate what overreaching looks like and why it's dangerous
• Show correct positioning and repositioning

Maintaining Appropriate Tone

The topic involves the leading cause of major injury and should be treated with appropriate seriousness.

Tone guidance:

• Serious and professional throughout
• Factual about the injury statistics without being alarmist
• Confident that proper controls prevent falls
• Clear about non-negotiable requirements
• Encouraging careful, thoughtful approach to every height task

Length and Pacing

Structure your video to maintain engagement while covering all necessary content.

Pacing suggestions:

• Keep theoretical content concise
• Spend more time on practical demonstrations
• Allow viewers to absorb important safety points
• Build in natural breaks between major topics
• Total length of 25-30 minutes is appropriate for this topic

Conclusion

Your working at height video forms an essential part of your Health and Safety System. By covering the hierarchy of control, explaining the planning and competence requirements, demonstrating step ladder safety, and highlighting common mistakes, you create training that genuinely protects people from the leading cause of major workplace injury.

The key to effective working at height training is helping viewers understand both the serious nature of fall risks and the practical steps that prevent them. When people appreciate that falls really are the biggest cause of major injury, and that simple measures like three-point contact and equipment inspection make a real difference, they engage with safety procedures rather than treating them as obstacles.

Regular review of your video content ensures it remains current with any changes to your equipment or procedures. Falls are preventable, and your training should reinforce that message while equipping everyone with the knowledge and skills to work safely at height.