THE PENALTIES
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The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to everyone working at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury The regulations place duties on 'employers, the self-employed, and any person who controls the work of others (e.g. facilities managers or building owners who may contract others to work at height) to the extent they control the work". Poor control may result in action from the HSE or local authorities.
Fines of up to £20,000 can be imposed for breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, with unlimited fines and possibly imprisonment if cases are heard in higher courts.
Directors and managers can also face prosecution as individuals if their acts or omissions led to the offence.
HSE and local authority inspectors will look closely at all work activities that cause most harm so acting to control such risks will help you avoid falling foul of the law. The HSE also says: "Revocation of your operator's licence is also a possibility when health and safety offences come to the attention of the Traffic Commissioner"