Fall risk and work at height – risk assessment, fall protection, and rescue plan
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Work where someone could fall to a lower level requires planning before the work begins. The fall risk assessment must guide the work method, equipment, protective measures, and how a person can be quickly rescued if something were to happen.
Quick Overview
- Prevent falls primarily through work methods and collective protection.
- For construction and civil engineering work, there are detailed requirements in AFS 2023:13.
- When the fall height is 2 meters or more, collective fall protection should normally be prioritized in work covered by the regulations.
- Personal fall protection requires correct anchoring, compatible equipment, and planned rescue.
- The risk assessment must be updated when working conditions, weather, equipment, or methods change.
| Source of risk | Open edges, holes, roofs, scaffolding, aerial work platforms, ladders, and differences in levels. |
| Prevention | Eliminate work at heights or choose a safer method where possible. |
| Collective protection | Railings, work platforms, scaffolding, and safety nets. |
| Personal protection | Harness, connection system, anchor point, and pre-use inspection. |
| Rescue | Who calls for help, how rescue takes place, and what equipment is required. |
The risk assessment must be done before work starts
Assess both the work task itself and the movement to and from the workplace. Consider the surface, openings, weather, slipperiness, wind, material handling, simultaneous work, and the need to use both hands. The risk assessment should lead to concrete measures, not just a risk class.
Collective fall protection should normally be prioritized
In construction and civil engineering work, AFS 2023:13 states that fall risks of 2 meters or more should normally be prevented using collective fall protection such as guardrails, work platforms, work baskets, scaffolding with railings, or safety nets. Personal fall protection becomes relevant when a collective solution is not reasonable or sufficient.
Personal fall protection requires more than just a harness
A complete system must be adapted to the work task and the free fall clearance. The anchor point, connection lanyard, energy absorber, and harness must work together. The equipment must be checked and the user must have sufficient knowledge.
Plan the rescue before anyone goes up
A person left hanging after a fall must be able to be rescued quickly. The rescue plan should therefore specify the alarm procedure, roles, access, rescue equipment, and how training or briefings will be conducted. Simply referring to the emergency services is not a complete rescue plan.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing personal fall protection equipment before collective protection has been tried.
- The risk assessment only stating 'fall risk' without work tasks and measures.
- Not checking the anchor point and free fall clearance.
- Lacking a practically feasible rescue plan.
- Reusing an old assessment despite changed conditions.
Common questions and answers
Does the two-meter rule always apply?
The two-meter rule is included in the detailed fall protection regulations for, among other things, construction and civil engineering work in AFS 2023:13. Even at lower heights, a risk assessment may show that protection is needed.
When may personal fall protection be used?
When the risk cannot be sufficiently prevented through safer work methods or collective protection. The system must be suitable for the task and used correctly.
Is a rescue plan needed for a harness?
Yes, if a person could be left hanging or otherwise require rapid rescue, the rescue should be planned before the work starts.
Must the risk assessment be in writing?
Risk assessments must be documented according to the rules for systematic work environment management. For high-risk work, clear written documentation is especially important.
Risk assessment, fall protection plan, and rescue plan
The template package provides a comprehensive structure for risk assessment, selection of fall protection, control points, and a rescue plan.
Read also
Sources and further reading
- Swedish Work Environment Authority – AFS 2023:13 Risks in certain types of work
- Swedish Work Environment Authority – AFS 2023:12 Workplace design
Last updated: October 5, 2026. This article is general information and does not replace a business-specific work environment assessment.
