Download the HLS Work at Height Rescue Plan Template
Working at height is one of the most high-risk activities in the workplace, and without the right precautions, it can lead to serious injury or even fatalities. That’s why having a clear and practical Work at Height Rescue Plan is essential for every business. Even when fall protection systems, MEWPs, scaffolds, or ladders are used correctly, unexpected situations such as equipment failure, medical emergencies, or adverse weather can occur.
A rescue plan sets out exactly how workers will be retrieved safely in the event of a fall or if they become stranded at height. It ensures that your team knows what equipment to use, who is responsible, and what steps to follow during an emergency. Beyond compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, a rescue plan protects your employees, reduces risks, and provides peace of mind that your site is fully prepared for emergencies.
Why Do You Need a Work at Height Rescue Plan?
Any task that involves working on scaffolds, ladders, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), cherry pickers, or bespoke access platforms brings risks. Even with the best training, PPE, and fall protection systems, accidents can still happen. A work at height rescue plan ensures that, should an emergency occur, your team has a clear, structured method for carrying out a safe and fast rescue.
Prompt rescue reduces the risk of further injury, trauma, or fatality. Delays in retrieval can lead to suspension trauma, shock, or even cardiac arrest. That is why rescue planning is as important as fall prevention.
What’s Included in the HLS Rescue Plan Template?
Our downloadable rescue plan template helps you create a thorough and legally compliant plan. It includes sections for:
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Key Contact Information – Competent persons, emergency contacts, and phone numbers.
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Rescue Equipment – Ladders, aerial lifts, rope, scaffold, poles, first aid kits, and any additional equipment specific to your site.
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Equipment Location & Inspection Records – Where equipment is stored and how often it has been serviced or inspected.
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Rescue Procedures – Different rescue types (self-rescue, lowering a casualty, raising a casualty, assisted evacuation).
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Emergency Considerations – Medical assistance details, nearest hospital, and limitations of the plan such as adverse weather.
The template ensures your rescue strategy is well-documented, communicated, and ready for real-world use.
Legislation and Compliance
Several pieces of UK legislation require employers to have safe systems of work and rescue in place, including:
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Work at Height Regulations 2005 – Regulation 4(2)
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Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 – Regulation 5(1)(d)
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Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – Regulation 3
These laws make it clear that you must have a method of safe rescue whenever employees are exposed to fall risks. A documented HLS rescue plan supports compliance and demonstrates due diligence.
How to Develop a Rescue Plan
When preparing your working at height rescue plan, consider:
- Details of the equipment to be used in case of a rescue including where it will
be stored.
- How the equipment will be configured for the types of rescue.
- How often the equipment is serviced and inspected and where records of the
prior inspections shall be stored.
- What the rescue kit will contain and where it will be located
- Anchor point identification if appropriate.
- Limitations of the plan, for example for poor weather conditions
- The trained individuals who will be available to action the rescue plan
- The type of emergency medical assistance, that is likely to be required
immediately after a fall
- Details of you nearest accident and emergency department
- Test your rescue plan to see if it works. People do not always work the way you think in real emergency situations compared to tests
Remember: a rescue plan is a living document. It must be updated annually, after any fall, or whenever there are significant changes to equipment, staff, or the site itself.
What Is the Purpose of a Rescue Plan?
A rescue plan is designed to support your risk assessment and provide a structured response if someone falls from height. It helps:
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Minimise injuries in emergencies.
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Ensure workers can be retrieved safely and quickly.
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Demonstrate compliance with HSE requirements.
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Provide peace of mind to employees, contractors, and management.
With over three million people in the UK working at height, the importance of a rescue plan cannot be overstated. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height remain the single biggest cause of workplace fatalities. A well-prepared rescue plan template is not just paperwork, it is a critical safety tool.
Download Your Free Rescue Plan Template
Do not leave safety to chance. Download the HLS Work at Height Rescue Plan template today and take the first step in ensuring your workforce is protected. Simply fill in the short form, and your template will be available immediately.
Protect your workers. Stay compliant. Be prepared with the HLS Working at Height Rescue Plan.
