Working from height is a dangerous business, and it still remains the most common cause of workplace fatalities and should be avoided wherever practiced. But if you have to work from height, take a sensible approach when considering precautions. If you’re using personal fall protection ensure that it’s fit for purpose and users are adequately trained, but is this enough to guarantee everyone’s safety?
There are a few more important safe practices that will guarantee this where access is required. To work at height, ensure that the equipment used is fit for purpose and all users are competent. Workers should ensure that prevention measures are in place and where necessary supplement measures with collective protective devices. Have you got a rescue plan in place? This should be prepared before any working at height takes place.
Common causes of falls from height include falls from ladders. Do not work from ladders. These are for access only. If you have to access the roof do you know if it’s designed to be load-bearing? Falls through fragile roofs can kill. Ensure you do your research carefully before accessing the roof.
Sometimes you might have to access another area through a scaffold structure, never use a scaffold structure unless it has been inspected and tagged by a competent person.
You are required to wear your safety harness so always remain clipped onto a fixed point at all times when you’re working at height. Working outside presents further challenges. Have you checked the forecast for the day? Take account of the ambient conditions to ensure your safety. Remember people are often working below you, so always ensure that the area below you is restricted so that people are not put at risk by your actions.
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