The definition of work at height is not explicitly provided by regulations.
It is the responsibility of the employer to identify any risk of falling by assessing potential hazards.
The Labor Code specifies guidelines to be followed for the design, layout, and use of workspaces, as well as for the design and use of equipment dedicated to work at height.
The risk of falling from height, similar to any other hazard a worker may be exposed to, is regulated by the general provisions of the Labor Code.
Its prevention is based on the general principles of prevention, in accordance with articles L. 4121-1 and following.
In the case of risk zones that cannot be technically protected, the employer must implement all possible collective protections, restricting access to these zones to authorized workers only (Article R. 4224-4).
Legislation on work at height prioritizes the implementation of collective protection devices such as guardrails, walkways, stairs, and ladders.
However, if this proves impossible, workers must have individual protections such as lifelines, harnesses, helmets, and carabiners to ensure their safety.
When it is not possible to avoid risk zones due to the nature of the work, and even for occasional maintenance or repair activities, these zones must be clearly marked and identified to prevent access by unauthorized workers (Article R. 4224-20).
Adequate training for employees is essential for any equipment and work at height, including practical exercises and situational simulations to reduce the risk of falling.
In addition, workers must be informed about professional risks and preventive measures, in accordance with articles L. 4141-1 to 4141-4.
The installations and technical safety devices in workplaces must be maintained and checked at appropriate intervals.
Any defect that could affect the health and safety of workers must be eliminated promptly.
Periodic checks and interventions must be documented in a file, possibly attached to the workplace maintenance file in accordance with Article R. 4211-3 (Article R4224-14).
Fall protection equipment must be installed whenever there is a risk of falling.
The September 2004 decree focuses particularly on the surroundings of building terraces, without forgetting existing openings such as vaults or skylights.
These openings pose a real risk of falling and are subject to the same general principles of prevention.
In accordance with the Labor Code and the decree of September 1, 2004, collective protection must be favored over individual protection.
It is imperative to implement safety elements such as secure and resistant guardrails, complying with the French standard NF E85-015 or the European standard EN ISO 14122-3.