Working at Height Safely: Practical Tips for DIY and Trade

Working at height is something many of us don’t often take as seriously as it needs to be. Whether you are a professional tradesperson on site or a homeowner tackling a weekend project, the risks are real and often underestimated. 

At POP UP Products Limited, we are proud to support No Falls Week, a national campaign dedicated to improving safety when working at height and preventing avoidable accidents.

Why working at height safety matters

Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities and serious injuries in the UK. Recent figures show that 35 people lost their lives due to falls at work in 2024/25, accounting for 28 percent of all workplace deaths. 

Whether you are working on scaffolding, using a ladder, or accessing a loft space, the risks apply to everyone, not just large construction sites.

Supporting No Falls Week

No Falls Week runs from 18 to 22 May 2026 and brings together organisations across the UK to promote safer working practices at height. The campaign encourages businesses and individuals to:

• Review safety procedures
• Refresh training and awareness
• Share best practice
• Put safety first always

It is estimated that over 1 million businesses and 10 million workers carry out tasks at height every year in the UK, making this an issue that affects a huge number of people.

At POP UP Products, we are backing this initiative because we believe everyone should be able to work safely and return home at the end of the day.

DIY vs Trade: the risks are the same

It is easy to assume that serious incidents only happen on large job sites. For DIY users, the danger often comes from lack of experience, rushed jobs, or using the wrong equipment. In reality, many accidents occur during everyday tasks such as:

• Cleaning gutters
• Painting and decorating
• Installing lighting or signage
• Carrying out roof or maintenance work

A practical safety checklist before you start

Before any work at height begins, take a few minutes to run through this essential checklist:

1. Plan the job

What is the safest way to complete the task?

Can the work be done from ground level instead?

Are weather conditions suitable?

Careful planning is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk.

2. Choose the right equipment

Is a ladder appropriate, or would a platform or access system be safer?

Is the equipment right for the task?

Are you using professional-grade products where needed?

3. Inspect equipment

Check for damage, wear or instability

Ensure ladders are secure and on firm ground

Confirm locking mechanisms are working correctly

4. Assess the environment

Look for uneven surfaces, fragile roofs or obstacles

Identify fall hazards and falling object risks

Set up barriers or exclusion zones if needed

5. Have a plan for emergencies

How would you get down safely if something goes wrong?

Is someone aware you are working at height?

Key safety tips everyone should follow

• Maintain three points of contact – When using ladders, always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder.
• Do not overreach – If you cannot reach comfortably, reposition your equipment. Overreaching is a common cause of falls.
• Use proper fall protection where required – For higher-risk work, consider guardrails, harnesses or fall restraint systems.
• Keep tools secure – Dropped tools can injure people below. Use tool lanyards or secure storage where possible.
• Avoid rushing – Many accidents happen when people try to save time. Take it slow and stay focused.
• Ensure proper training – For trade professionals, regular refresher training is essential to keep skills and awareness up to date.

Making safety part of everyday work

Working at height safely is not about one-off actions. It is about building good habits:

• Regularly reviewing risk assessments
• Keeping equipment in good condition
• Staying up to date with best practice
• Encouraging open conversations about safety

Campaigns like No Falls Week are a great reminder to pause and reflect, but safety should be a priority all year round.

Whether you are a contractor working at height every day or a DIY enthusiast tackling a home project, the same principle applies: no task is worth the risk of a fall.

By planning ahead, using the right equipment and following simple safety practices, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.

At POP UP Products Limited, we are committed to supporting safer working at height and proud to stand behind No Falls Week. Together, we can help create safer environments for everyone.

View our range of products to make your time working at height safer, easier and quicker here.