Dr. Akbar

Working at heights is a significant contributor to fatalities and major injuries in the workplace, with frequent incidents involving falls from ladders and through fragile surfaces. The term 'work at height' refers to any activity conducted in a location where, in the absence of safety measures, a person is at risk of a fall that could result in personal injury, such as tumbling through an unstable roof.

In this section, we will outline how employers can implement straightforward and practical strategies to minimize the risk of falls and ensure the safety of their employees when working at elevated positions.

A prominent, independent installer of digital terrestrial and satellite equipment acknowledged the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent falls, particularly as their engineers were frequently tasked with installing aerials and dishes at various heights using portable leaning ladders and roof ladders.

The company implemented several safety measures to mitigate fall risks, including securing ladders with an eyebolt and ratchet strap and providing workers, who received appropriate training, with specialized equipment. This equipment includes a flexible safety line that can be attached to the secured ladder.

Now, trained workers are equipped with fall-arrest harnesses that connect to both the safety line and the ladder, ensuring that the ladder remains stable during use. In the event of a slip, the harness and safety line system will arrest the fall, significantly reducing the risk of injury.

It's crucial to ensure that work at height is properly planned, supervised, and executed by individuals who are not only competent but also possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience. The right type of equipment for the task at hand must be used.

When considering safety precautions, it's important to adopt a sensible approach. Tasks that are low-risk and relatively straightforward require less extensive planning. In some low-risk situations, common sense may dictate that no additional precautions are needed. However, the primary focus should always be on safety and the appropriate use of equipment to prevent falls.

Begin by thoroughly assessing the risks associated with the task at hand. Key factors to consider include the height of the task, its duration and frequency, and the condition of the surface on which the work will be performed.

When planning work at height, follow these essential steps:

1. Avoid work at height: Whenever feasible, opt for alternatives that do not require working at height.
2. Prevent falls: If avoiding work at height is not practicable, employ measures to prevent falls. This can be achieved by using a pre-existing safe work area or selecting the appropriate equipment for the task.
3. Minimize fall impact: In situations where the risk of falling cannot be completely eliminated, use the right equipment to reduce both the distance and consequences of a fall.

In implementing these steps, prioritize collective protection measures that safeguard everyone involved over personal protection measures that only protect the individual.

Collective protection refers to equipment that doesn't require the user's active involvement to be effective. Examples include permanent or temporary guardrails, scissor lifts, and tower scaffolds. These are preferred as they offer protection on a broader scale.

Personal protection, on the other hand, requires the individual's active participation. An example is the use of a safety harness, which must be correctly worn and attached, with an energy-absorbing lanyard, to a suitable anchor point. Personal protection should be considered when collective measures are not feasible.

Do….

• as much work as possible from the ground
• ensure workers can get safely to and from where they work at height
• ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job, maintained and checked regularly
• take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces
• provide protection from falling objects
• consider emergency evacuation and rescue procedures

Don’t…

• overload ladders – consider the equipment or materials workers are carrying before working at height. Check the pictogram or label on the ladder for information
• overreach on ladders or stepladders
• rest a ladder against weak upper surfaces, eg glazing or plastic gutters
• use ladders or stepladders for strenuous or heavy tasks, only use them for light work of short duration (a maximum of 30 minutes at a time)
• let anyone who is not competent (who doesn’t have the skills, knowledge and experience to do the job) work at height