50. Working at Heights

Working at height remains one of the biggest causes of fatalities and major injuries. Common cases include falls from ladders and through fragile surfaces. ‘Work at height’ means work in any place where, if there were no precautions in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury (for example a fall through a fragile roof).

This section shows how employers can take simple, practical measures to reduce the risk of any of their workers falling while working at height. (from HSE UK)

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Control Measures – Simple Steps

avoid work at height where it’s reasonably practicable to do so
where work at height cannot be easily avoided, prevent falls using either an existing place of work that is already safe or the right type of equipment
minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, by using the right type of equipment where the risk cannot be eliminated

Hazard Category	Hazards	Controls
Falls of Personnel	1. Can occur if adequate fall protection devices are not implemented, i.e. handrails on scaffolds, securing ladders and/or wearing safety harness	1. Scaffolders shall ensure that all access platforms and workstations are constructed in line with all relevant access and that suitable “Safe systems of work” are implemented. 2. Fall protection devices such as harnesses and lanyard shall be worn at all personnel if fixed access can not be proved. 3. Safety equipment shall be checked and and have a current test certificate. 4. A stand-by man shall be present when personnel are working at heights.
Falls of Materials/Tools and/or Equipment	1. Can occur if knocked off access platforms and/or if dropped by personnel undertaking the task	1. Personnel shall ensure that all materials/ tools and/or equipment are kept secure at all times. 2. Barriers shall be erected below the work area to prevent access to the dander area and “DANGER MEN WORKING OVERHEAD” signs displayed to advise personnel of the potential hazard. 3. A stand-by man shall be present when personnel are working overhead and there is a possibility of materials falling and barriers cannot be erected.
Vertigo	1. Often associated with working at heights and can result in very serious injuries to personnel (from falls, etc.)	1. Personnel shall ensure that they are capable of undertaking the task, both physically and mentally and do not work outside their own capabilities – As this may put both themselves and other in danger. 2. Suitable breaks shall be taken as and when required (This will vary as to the type of work, i.e. hard or easy, hot or cold). 3. Report any sign of dizziness – vertigo, immediately to the supervisor.