Working at height, as defined by the HSE, refers to carrying out tasks above ground level where there’s a risk of falling and injury. The greater the height the job is performed, the higher the worker’s risks. Fall protection safety is an important consideration in this matter. With that in mind, we look at some of the top safety tips employers and workers shouldn’t overlook.
Understanding and Preventing Potential Risks
Every construction site must be planned from the get-go, and a crucial part of this process is identifying any health and safety concerns related to working at height. A full and thorough risk assessment must be conducted before any on-site activity begins and should be maintained until the project is completed. This means looking at everything that could go wrong and figuring out how to prevent accidents.
Take working on scaffolding, for instance. Rules and regulations must be followed to ensure the scaffolders’ safety while labouring high above the ground. To learn more, check out our guide on ‘Scaffolding Safety Requirements You Need to Know’.
Know When and What Type of Fall Protection is Needed
Nothing is more important for health and safety when working at height than providing workers with the right protection. However, having protection alone isn’t enough; it must be suitable for the task and worn in the ideal circumstances.
Consider three factors: frequency, duration, and location of work. For instance, will the job be done infrequently, perhaps once a month or less? Is it a temporary task with a short duration? Once you’ve determined the frequency and duration, assess the proximity of the work to the hazard.
Fall protection, like Fall Arrest Harness, is necessary for heights less than 6 feet. For those working between 6 feet and 15 feet, or over 15 feet, anti-fall PPE and a specified safe area are required. These areas are safe zones where builders or scaffolders can work safely without needing extra fall protection equipment.
Train, Learn, and Apply
Employees working at heights must receive proper training and get qualified to ensure their safety. Not only is training required by law but without it, there’s considerable potential for error when workers attempt to protect themselves on a scaffold platform or a high-rise building rooftop.
Training gives confidence, increases knowledge, and improves skills. It’s also an important tool for preventing injuries at work across industries besides construction. Even experienced professionals embrace this need for continual professional development.
The Construction Industry Scaffolders Registration Scheme (CISRS), for one, offers assessment and certification for scaffolding jobs. They provide courses at various levels, from basic to advanced.
In our guide to ‘Top 5 Duties of Scaffolders + Skills to Look for When Hiring’, we talked about the essential skills hiring managers and employers should consider. Reading it can give you insights into the qualities you should look for in workers whom you’ll entrust with the job.
Note: Training courses and requirements may vary depending on the specific job.
What Are Considered Working at Height?
Working at height includes tasks performed on a ladder, at the edge of the roof, near an opening on the floor, on a loading dock, or on scaffolding. It doesn’t include a slip or trip on flat ground but rather involves working at different heights, such as moving from one level to a higher level.
Working platforms are another example — these are fully boarded platforms with handrails and toe boards. They can be virtually any surface from which work can be carried out, including:
- a roof
- a floor
- a platform on a scaffold
- mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)
- the treads of a stepladder
Anti-fall personal protective equipment is required for any height change of 4 feet (1.2 metres) or higher for safety compliance.
Fall protection safety includes understanding and preventing potential risks, knowing when and what type of fall protection is necessary, and providing training for employees working at heights to ensure they’re qualified for their tasks.
Need more questions or information? Contact SP Group at +44 28 9442 8611 or email hello@s-pgroup.com. Our 5-star-rated customer service team is available to help you.