Working on telecommunications masts, towers and antenna structures is one of the most hazardous forms of working at height in the UK. Technicians carry out installations and maintenance on structures reaching 30, 100 or more metres above ground, using a mix of climbing, rope access and platform-based methods in fully exposed outdoor conditions. This guide brings together the latest verified data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) on the risks involved, and the legal duties that apply.
Key facts & figures
- 35 workers were killed by falls from height across all UK industries in 2024/25 (HSE).
- ~13% of MEWP-related electrocution incidents involve the electrical sector (IPAF).
- 60% of fatal MEWP electrocution incidents come from the arboriculture and electrical sectors combined (IPAF).
- 97 MEWP electrocution incidents were identified by IPAF for the period 2016–2020.
- 91 of 97 of those electrocution incidents resulted in a fatality (IPAF, 2016–2020).
- Near-100% — the fatality rate for electrocution incidents involving MEWPs (IPAF).
The specific risk profile of telecommunications tower work
Telecommunications tower work differs from most other working-at-height tasks in several important ways:
- Extreme heights — many masts exceed 30 metres, and broadcast towers can reach 300 or more metres.
- Climbing methodology — access is often by fixed ladders, climbing pegs and personal fall-protection equipment rather than scaffolds or platforms.
- Structural electrical hazards — work frequently takes place near distribution and antenna infrastructure.
- Remote locations — many sites require extended emergency response times, so specialist height-rescue capability must be available on site.
- Weather dependency — wind loading is a severe and specific hazard. A 20 mph wind at ground level may exceed 30 mph at the top of a 60-metre mast.
The electrocution risk
Electrocution is one of the deadliest hazards on telecommunications structures. IPAF's analysis of MEWP electrocution incidents for the period 2016–2020 identified 97 electrocution incidents involving MEWPs, of which 91 resulted in fatalities — a near-100% fatality rate. IPAF data also attributes around 13% of these incidents to the electrical sector, with the arboriculture and electrical sectors together accounting for roughly 60% of fatal MEWP electrocution incidents.
Rooftop antenna work near existing electrical infrastructure creates particular risks, which is why permit-to-work systems and electrical isolation procedures are essential before any work begins.
| Measure | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Falls-from-height fatalities, all industries (2024/25) | 35 | HSE |
| MEWP electrocution incidents (2016–2020) | 97 | IPAF |
| Electrocution incidents that were fatal (2016–2020) | 91 of 97 | IPAF |
| Electrical sector share of MEWP electrocution incidents | ~13% | IPAF |
| Arboriculture + electrical share of fatal electrocutions | 60% | IPAF |
| Electrocution fatality rate (MEWPs) | Near-100% | IPAF |
Legal requirements for telecommunications tower work
Telecommunications tower work is governed by the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998. Between them, these regulations require:
- Competent persons only — work must be carried out by trained, competent workers.
- Rescue capability available — a plan and the means to recover a worker from height must be in place before work starts.
- Weather assessment — conditions, including wind, must be assessed before operations begin.
- Equipment inspection — fall-protection and access equipment must be inspected and maintained.
LOLER 1998 applies to any lifting equipment used in telecommunications tower work. Together with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, it places the duty to prevent falls and plan for rescue squarely on the employer.
Sources & references
- HSE — Work-Related Fatal Injuries in Great Britain 2024/25
- HSE — Work at Height: The Law
- IPAF — Global Safety Report 2025
- British Safety Council — Powered Access: What Does the Accident Data Show?
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Mark writes about working at height, workplace health and safety, compliance and accredited training for Working at Heights Course, part of Online CPD Academy.