Tips & tricks – 10 ways to stay safe when working at height
Due to the recent stats from the HSE on fatal accidents, this month, we’ve put together some helpful hints to reduce the risk for your business.
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Risk assessment –
Ensure a thorough risk assessment of all potential hazards when working at heights, including falling objects and obstructions, and the ability of staff to carry out the work.
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Policy & Training:
Make sure that you continually review and update your policy and that all staff have undertaken appropriate training for the work.
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Avoid working at height where possible –
Choose the most appropriate method of accessing heights for the job – will it be a ladder job, or will it need scaffolding?
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Edge protection –
Place a suitable and strong enough guard at a suitable height around the place where people will be working high up.
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Safe area
Before you start work, always check for overhead obstructions and use barriers if necessary to keep the area safe.
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Below ground
Don’t forget that working at heights can also apply to below-ground projects, such as working at height around excavations, ponds, etc. Make sure to protect edges, there is good means of getting in and out, Plus good lighting and highlight edges so people can see them.
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Access Equipment
ForWAH activities that may take longer or require more intensive work- you should consider using access equipment such as mobile towers or mobile elevated work platforms.
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Ladders—use appropriately.
The HSE advises only using them for light work of short duration, i.e., 30 minutes. Never overload or overreach them, either.
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Three points of contact—
Remember that you should always have three points of contact when using ladders—one hand, two feet, or one foot, two hands. This technique is good for entering or exiting large vehicles.
10. Training
Make sure anyone working at height is trained and that they only use appropriate equipment to reach where they want to go.
For more information, visit the HSE at HSE Website
Would you like to speak more about your business safety risk with one of our team- then please click here
