Occupations that involve working from height are high risk and therefore employers must ensure that they adhere to the Work at Height Regulations 2005 to protect workers. Anyone from construction workers, through to roofers and window cleaners are at risk of injury or even death if they fall from a height, so having the right protective equipment and safety policies in place is imperative.
Guidance for protecting employees working at height
Risk assessment
A risk assessment should be performed to determine the safety measures that are required, in relevance to the amount of risk. If working from a height can be avoided through alternative ways of performing tasks, this should be done wherever possible. The risk assessment should consider different tools and equipment, for example, the use of an aerial work platform, scissor lifts and other machines that provide enhanced safety should be considered where relevant.
Training on working from height
Any employees who will be working from height should have training on using safety equipment and wearing PPE, as well as other precautions to take when working at height. There are several different training courses to choose from and many can be done as e-learning, rather than a physical training course.
Use of Fall Arrest Equipment
Where working from height is essential, fall arrest equipment provides an extra level of safety to workers. A Fall Arrester harness is a good option for many applications when working from height. A Fall Arrest system prevents the worker from reaching fall hazards, by anchoring to a suitable point, whilst the worker wears the harness.
Fall Arrest equipment is suitable where the flexibility of movement is essential but there is still a risk of falling and if this does happen, the worker will be caught before falling onto a hazard. Additional equipment should be used where relevant such as edge protection barriers or scaffolding.
Rescue plan
There must be a rescue plan in place in case the worker becomes suspended in the air following a fall and rescue equipment can be bought as part of this.
Regular checks of equipment
All PPE equipment should be regularly checked to ensure that there are no issues that could lead to the equipment not protecting workers as it is intended to. Equipment should be stable and strong enough to use for the job and equipment should be replaced if there is any visible wear and tear.
Hivis.net stocks a full range of equipment for working at height, which you can order online to ensure the highest standards of safety for employees.