Working at Height Health & Safety

Definition of Work at Height

  • What is “work at height”?

    • Work at height refers to any work being performed in a location (excluding staircases in permanent workplaces) where a fall could result in injury.

    • This definition encompasses scenarios where the work area is at or below ground level.

Applicability of the Regulations

  • Who do the rules apply to?

    • The Work at Height Regulations apply to all activities where there is a risk of injury from falls.

    • Duties are imposed on both employers and self-employed individuals.

    • Examples of activities covered:

    • Using kick stools or stepladders in stock-rooms or libraries

    • Order picking using a forklift with an integrated platform

    • Erecting steel work with a mobile elevating work platform

    • Painting or cleaning using trestles and ladders

    • Changing lamps or ceiling tiles in an office

    • Working on vehicles such as fuel trucks

    • Climbing masts or poles

    • Rigging lights for events

    • Instructing abseiling or rock climbing using harnesses

    • Working near open excavations or cellar entrances

    • Erecting posters at heights

    • Working on scaffolds

Employer Responsibilities

  • Duties of employers:

    • Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent falls that could result in injury.

    • Regulatory Hierarchy for Managing Work at Height:

    1. Avoid work at height wherever practicable.

    2. Use equipment or measures to prevent falls if working at height cannot be avoided.

    3. If risk elimination is not possible, minimize the distance and consequences of a fall using appropriate equipment and methods.

  • Specific employer responsibilities to minimize risk:

    • Proper planning, organization, supervision, and execution of work at height

    • Ensuring safety of the work environment

    • Accounting for weather conditions when planning work

    • Providing instruction and training to all personnel involved

    • Appropriate inspection and maintenance of equipment

    • Controlling risks from fragile surfaces

    • Preventing injuries caused by falling objects

Employee Responsibilities

  • What employees need to know:

    • Employees are obligated to comply with safety regulations and protect their own health and safety, as well as that of others.

    • Specific duties include:

    • Adhering to statutory provisions, such as the Work at Height Regulations

    • Not being under the influence of substances that may pose a danger while at work

    • Co-operating with employer’s safety measures

    • Avoiding any misconduct that could harm safety

    • Participating in training offered by the employer

    • Proper usage of provided machinery, tools, substances, and personal protective equipment

    • Reporting any workplace defects that might endanger health and safety

Safe Work at Height Hierarchy

  • Hierarchy instructions: Avoid, Prevent, Mitigate; prioritize collective measures.

    • Avoid: Eliminate work at height where possible.

    • Prevent: When work at height cannot be avoided, steps must be taken to prevent falls.

    • Mitigate: If avoidance is not possible, minimize both the distance and impact of any fall.

    • Utilization of safety measures: Options like nets or air bags can be effective to minimize injuries.

Ladder Safety Tips

  • Safety tips for ladder use:

    • Conduct a visual inspection of the ladder before use

    • Secure the ladder properly

    • Maintain three points of contact while working

    • Do not overreach when on the ladder

    • Tools should be carried in a proper manner

    • Ensure top three rungs remain free of standing weight

    • Ladders should project at least one meter above landings and be secured properly

    • Maintain correct ladder angles (4:1 ratio) and take care on sloping or slippery surfaces

    • Be cautious of overhead lines and use appropriate footwear to prevent slipping

  • Do's and Don'ts:

    • Do's:

    • Perform daily pre-use checks

    • Secure ladders on firm surfaces

    • Use ladders for light, short-duration work

    • Grip the stiles while climbing

    • Don'ts:

    • Do not overreach

    • Avoid lateral loadings or working on the top rungs

    • Never move a ladder while standing on it

    • Do not slide down or extend a ladder while on the rungs

Importance of Rescue Plans

  • Need for a rescue plan:

    • Legally required under the Work at Height Regulations.

    • Essential to ensure safety for both fall victims and rescuers during emergencies.

    • Rescue plans should consider:

    • Prevention of prolonged suspension post-fall

    • Quick response procedures for rescue and treatment

    • Identify signs or symptoms of distress in a suspended worker

    • Communication methods between the suspended worker and rescue team

    • Coordination with emergency services

Features of Effective Rescue Plans

  • Rescue plans must include:

    • Procedures for prompt rescue and treatment

    • Communication protocols for emergencies

    • Availability of trained personnel for rescue operations

    • Assessment of potential access issues for rescuers

    • Identification and selection of appropriate rescue equipment

    • Contingency planning for adverse conditions (e.g., language barriers, working alone)

Special Considerations

  • Working over water safety alerts and protocols:

    • The HSA issued a special alert following incidents where workers drowned after risks were not properly assessed.

    • Assessments must include:

    • Water depth, flowing conditions, and potential flood risks

    • Determine the greater injury risk (fall vs. drowning)

    • Necessity of wearing life jackets versus harnesses when operating over water

Consequences of Poor Risk Assessment

  • Poor health and safety measures can lead to tragic outcomes, as seen in incidents where two workers drowned after their support fell into a river.

    • Highlighting the importance of adjusting safety protocols when dealing with unique hazards such as water.