What safety regulations mean for your gangway

Working at height is one of the most closely regulated activities in industry, and for good reason. Falls remain a leading cause of serious workplace injuries across Europe and beyond. Employers are generally required to assess the risks of any task carried out at height and to take measures that prevent falls rather than merely limit their consequences. At loading bays, this often means replacing ladders and makeshift platforms with a compliant gangway that provides guardrails, secure footing and controlled access to the top of the vehicle. Regulations also expect employers to prioritise collective protection, such as railings and cages, over personal equipment like harnesses wherever possible. A properly designed gangway fits that principle neatly, because it protects every user automatically, without relying on individuals to clip on correctly each time.

Documentation and inspections as part of compliance

Meeting the rules is not only about the equipment itself but also about the paperwork and procedures around it. Inspectors and auditors usually want to see risk assessments, user instructions, maintenance records and evidence that staff have been trained. Equipment should come with clear documentation, including drawings, load ratings and guidance on safe use. Keeping this information organised makes audits far less stressful and shows that safety is taken seriously. When compiling a technical file, the information Gangway Solutions provides on gangwaysolutions.com can be a useful starting point. Finally, rules change over time, so it is wise to review your gangway arrangements periodically and check whether they still meet current standards and the needs of your operation.

Review your access arrangements against the rules

Gather your risk assessments and walk through your loading area with fresh eyes. Note every place where people still climb onto vehicles without proper guardrails or secure footing. Compare those situations with current safety requirements and decide which ones need attention first. Involving a specialist early makes it easier to choose solutions that are both compliant and practical. Start this review today, because preventing a fall is always better than explaining one afterwards.