Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing ascent assistance comprising: a motive force generator; a motive force applicator operably linked to the motive force generator, and, in use of the apparatus, an object to which the motive force applicator applies a motive force, and a control mechanism comprising a load sensing means and a haulage force application means; said control mechanism being formed and arranged so as to control the motive force generator in a first, calibration, in which it detects a load applied to motive force applicator by the object and said haulage force is determined as a percentage of the applied load; the control mechanism being operable to switch the operation of the motive force generator into a second, assisted ascent mode. The invention further relates to a method for assisting a user in an ascent when working at height.