Putting up Christmas lights and decorations is work at height, so the Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply. Employers must avoid work at height where they reasonably can. Where they cannot, they must use suitable equipment to prevent falls, and the work must be properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent people. Ladders are acceptable for low-risk, short-duration tasks. Higher or longer jobs usually call for a mobile tower or a MEWP. MEWP operators must be trained, and machines that lift people need a thorough examination under LOLER at least every six months.
This post is for facilities managers, retail and hospitality managers, and anyone organising festive decorations at work or in public spaces. It covers the legal duties, how to choose between ladders, towers and MEWPs, the checks each needs, and the electrical risks of outdoor lights.
Why decorations need proper planning
Hanging a string of lights feels like a small job, so it is often done in a hurry by whoever is available. According to HSE, falls from height remain the most common kind of fatal accident to workers in Great Britain.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 set out a simple order of thinking:
- Avoid work at height where it is reasonably practicable, for example by assembling decorations on the ground and raising them into place.
- Prevent falls where work at height cannot be avoided, using an existing safe place of work or suitable equipment.
- Minimise the distance and consequences of a fall where the risk cannot be removed.
The duties also apply to anyone who controls work at height, such as a building owner or facilities manager who brings in a contractor. Supervisors have a central part in this, and our guide to supervisor health and safety duties explains what that involves.
Choosing the right equipment
Ladders and stepladders
HSE says ladders can be a sensible and practical option for low-risk, short-duration tasks. They should not be the automatic choice for every job. A risk assessment should show that the task is low risk and short, and that a more suitable alternative would not be justified.
Before use, check the ladder for damaged stiles, missing or loose feet, and bent or split rungs. Set it on firm, level ground, maintain three points of contact where you can, and avoid overreaching. Stepladders should be fully open with the locking devices engaged.
Mobile access towers
Towers suit longer tasks, such as decorating a shop front or a large atrium. They must be assembled by competent people, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Lock the wheels, fit guardrails and toe boards, and use outriggers or stabilisers where the instructions require them. Never move a tower with anyone on it.
Mobile elevating work platforms
MEWPs are often the safest option for high trees, lamp posts, building facades and high ceilings. They also bring their own risks, so the planning needs to be thorough.
MEWP checks and controls
- Trained operators. Operators must be trained and competent on the type of MEWP they use. Employers should authorise them and keep records.
- Thorough examination. LOLER requires lifting equipment used to lift people to be thoroughly examined at least every six months, unless a written scheme of examination sets other intervals. Ask for the current report if the machine is hired.
- Pre-use checks. Operators should carry out checks at the start of each shift, including controls, emergency lowering, tyres and guardrails.
- Ground conditions. Check for soft ground, drains, cellar covers and slopes before setting up.
- Overhead hazards. Look for power lines, tree branches and building features that could trap or crush the operator.
- Harness and lanyard. Industry guidance says people in boom-type MEWPs should wear a harness with a short restraint lanyard attached to the designated anchor point.
- Rescue plan. Plan how you would bring someone down if the machine failed or the operator became unwell. Make sure someone on the ground knows how to use the emergency controls.
- Exclusion zones. In car parks, shopping streets and public areas, cordon off the area below the platform to protect passers-by.
Electrical safety for outdoor lights
Electrical safety is a separate risk from working at height, and it needs its own checks. Use lights and extension leads rated for outdoor use. Protect outdoor circuits with a residual current device (RCD), which cuts the power quickly if there is a fault.
Inspect lights and leads for damage before putting them up, and throw away anything with cracked cables or broken plugs. Route cables so they do not create trip hazards, and keep connections out of standing water. Switch off and isolate the supply before working on fixed outdoor displays.
MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) Courses
Our MEWP courses train operators to use mobile elevating work platforms safely, including pre-use checks, safe set-up and emergency procedures. They are RTITB accredited and suit anyone who will operate a MEWP at work.
For staff who plan or supervise seasonal jobs, our online Health and Safety course covers risk assessment and the main workplace duties.
Frequently asked questions
Can staff use a ladder to put up Christmas decorations?
Yes, if the risk assessment shows the task is low risk and short in duration. The ladder must be in good condition and used correctly. For higher or longer jobs, a tower or MEWP is usually more suitable.
How often does a MEWP need a thorough examination?
Under LOLER, lifting equipment used to lift people must be thoroughly examined at least every six months, unless a written scheme of examination sets different intervals. Operators should also carry out pre-use checks every shift.
Do MEWP operators need formal training?
Operators must be trained and competent to use the equipment safely. Accredited training gives clear evidence of that competence. Employers should also authorise operators and give them familiarisation on the specific machine.
Who is responsible if a contractor puts up our lights?
The contractor has duties for its own workers. The business that controls the work or the premises also has duties under the Work at Height Regulations. Check the contractor’s risk assessment, method statement and evidence of training before work starts.
This article was published in November 2026 by National Compliance Training. Regulations change, so always check the latest guidance from HSE for the current position. This article does not constitute legal advice.