What Is Work Positioning in Work at Height?
Work positioning is one of the most misunderstood elements of working at height, yet it’s fundamental to safety, comfort, and productivity.
In this episode, we break down what work positioning actually means, common mistakes operators make, and how correct setup allows you to work safely, efficiently, and with control.
Watch the full video:
Work positioning allows an operative to maintain a stable, supported position so they can carry out tasks hands-free while remaining protected by fall protection systems.
If work positioning is set up incorrectly, operators are forced to rely on muscle strength rather than skeletal support. This leads to rapid fatigue, loss of control, shaking, and increased risk of errors particularly during repetitive or prolonged tasks.
Correct work positioning isn’t about complex techniques. It’s about:
- Comfort
- Balance
- Managing forces correctly
- Maintaining fall protection at all times
Practical Steps / Key Takeaways
Key fundamentals covered in this episode include:
- Always maintain primary fall protection, work positioning does not replace it
- Use skeletal support rather than arm strength to reduce fatigue
- Avoid single wraps that can lead to sudden movement (“the two-second heart attack”)
- Increase friction and surface area with additional wraps when required
- Adjust position using rope length, wraps, or foot placement
- Always consider where the “top of the triangle” is, gravity will take you there
Comfort is not a luxury, it’s a safety control.
We teach work positioning as a practical skill, not just a box-ticking exercise.
Our training focuses on real-world setups, recognising common site errors, and helping operatives understand why positioning works the way it does. When teams are comfortable, confident, and properly positioned, safety improves and productivity follows.
Need help with your work at height safety?
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Looking after your kit
Even the best kit needs regular inspection and servicing. we have a team of fully trained PPE inspectors who can take the worry out of the process. Our servicing team are fully certified to carry out the servicing requirements for many of the leading rescue devices currently on the market.
