Working at heights – laws and regulations
Working at heights is one of the leading causes of serious workplace accidents. That is why Belgian law imposes strict obligations on employers and employees. These obligations are set out in the Codex on Well-being at Work, supplemented by European directives and specific Royal Decrees.
At Heli Safety Academy, we translate this legislation into practical training courses, ensuring that your employees work safely and that you, as an employer, are in full compliance with the law.
What is considered work at heights?
Under the law, "work at height" refers to any work involving a risk of falling, regardless of the height. This may include, among other things:
- working on ladders or stairs
- working on scaffolding
- working on roofs
- working in aerial work platforms (scissor lifts, telescopic booms, articulating booms)
- working near openings or edges
👉 Important: There is no specified minimum height. As soon as there is a risk of falling, the law applies.
What does the Codex say about working at heights?
The requirements regarding work at heights are primarily set forth in Codex Book IV – Work Equipment and Book I – Principles of Prevention.
The law requires employers to:
- conduct a risk assessment
- prioritize collective protective measures over individual ones
- select appropriate work equipment
- train and instruct employees
Training is a core requirement in this regard, not merely a recommendation.
Hierarchy of preventive measures
The law follows a clear sequence:
- Avoid working at heights whenever possible
- Use of collective protection (guardrails, scaffolding, platforms)
- Use of personal protective equipment (fall protection)
- Training and instruction of employees
👉 In practice, this means that employees may only work with ladders, scaffolding, or aerial work platforms if they can demonstrate that they have received proper training.
Training as a legal requirement
According to the Codex, the employer must be able to demonstrate that employees:
- understand the risks of working at heights
- use work equipment properly
- know how to prevent accidents
- respond appropriately in the event of an incidentThis applies in the following situations:
- when starting a new job
- when taking on new tasks or roles
- when using new work equipment
- when risks change
Without proper training, working at heights is not in compliance with the law.
Which educational programs are legally recognized?
Heli Safety Academy offers training courses that directly address legal requirements:
- Working at heights – working safely on ladders, roofs, and scaffolding
- Fall Protection – Proper Use of Harnesses and Lanyards
- Aerial Work Platforms (Scissor Lifts, Telescopic Booms, Articulated Booms) – Safe and Proper Use
- Basic Safety – General Safety Principles
- VCA Basic & VCA VOL – Safety in High-Risk Environments
These training programs lead to certificates that demonstrate employees' competence.
Inspection, Liability, and Accidents
In the event of a workplace accident or an inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Inspectorate, the following will be assessed:
- a risk assessment was conducted
- the appropriate equipment was used
- employees were properly trained
If training is lacking or cannot be sufficiently demonstrated, this may result in:
- penalties or fines
- increased liability
- insurance issues
✅ Proper training reduces risks and provides your organization with legal protection.
Our Approach at Heli Safety Academy
We help organizations by:
- translate legislation into clear, practical training programs
- tailor training programs to real-world work situations
- provide certificates and registrations as evidence
This way, you can be sure that working at heights:
- is done safely
- is legally compliant
- can be justified during an inspection or audit
👉 Want to know which training course for working at heights is required in your situation? Check out our trainings or contact us for personalized advice.