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Working at heights

Blog
5 min read

Working at heights

Written by Don Cameron, StaySafe

Working at heights regulations

Working at heights is a hazard for workers in multiple job roles in sectors including construction, emergency services and tree work. The consequences of falling from heights are serious injury or mortality, so it is little surprise that extensive legislation covers working high above the ground.

For lone workers, heights represent an even greater hazard than for operatives in teams. Government guidance cover key issues on:

  • planning and organising work
  • assessing the competence of workers and supervisors
  • equipment being used, including maintenance and inspection
  • fragile or dangerous surfaces such as weak roofs

Without a colleague nearby, the measures taken for lone worker safety need to be thoroughly prepared and implemented. Without doing so, workers are at risk of injury, and employers can be liable for compensation and in extreme cases, for criminal charges.

What is working at heights?

Working at heights can be defined in different ways, but essentially means working where there could be a dangerous fall. Various measures are quoted, but careful consideration should be given for anyone working at four feet or more above ground.

Given the fact that a fall on ground level can still result in injury, a fall from any height needs to be viewed as potentially dangerous. If lone working involves equipment such as ladders, scaffolding, harnesses and elevated platforms, there needs to be a clear approach to the best way of keeping workers safe.

Which industries involve working at heights

Construction involves working on scaffolding for many activities including roofing, bricklaying, carpentry, glazing, rendering and finishing. Cranes with high cabs for drivers are a feature of building sites, docks and loading hubs. In the transport sector, drivers and maintenance staff need to clamber over large road vehicles and railway rolling stock. In the utilities and service industries, staff work on high power lines and communications cables, as well as at power stations. Working at heights is very much part of life in multiple other sectors including forestry, engineering, agriculture, warehousing and field services.

Which jobs involve working at heights?

Working at heights is a core part of job roles throughout industry and the service sector. The list of jobs is hugely extensive and includes:

  • firefighter
  • lighting technician
  • steelworker (eg on bridges, elevated roadways, industrial plants)
  • tree surgeon
  • wind turbine technician
  • window cleaner
  • crane operator
  • scaffolder
  • builder
  • roofer
  • power line workers
  • bridge painters
  • crane operators
  • warehouse operative
  • rock climbing instructor

Specific skills are associated with every different role and the approach to safety varies too. Each role requires different equipment, such as harnesses for tree workers and ladder locks for window cleaners.  

Working at heights injuries

Working at heights

Where vehicles are involved, 35% of cases are recorded as falls from the back of a lorry, 31% from standing on the forks of a forklift, 17% from lorry cab or tanker steps and 9% from the top of a vehicle.

The causes of the majority of falls at work are accounted for by slips and trips, falling objects, faulty work platforms, scaffolding and ladders, fragile roofing and bad weather.

Understanding the hazards of working at heights

Where vehicles are involved, 35% of cases are recorded as falls from the back of a lorry, 31% from standing on the forks of a forklift, 17% from lorry cab or tanker steps and 9% from the top of a vehicle.

The causes of the majority of falls at work are accounted for by slips and trips, falling objects, faulty work platforms, scaffolding and ladders, fragile roofing and bad weather.

1. Falls from heights

Falls are the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in workplaces involving heights. Even a seemingly insignificant fall can result in severe injuries or even death. Therefore, we have devised a series of measures to prevent falls and protect our workers.

To address this concern, we highly recommend the use of fall protection systems. These include personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), apps with fall detection capabilities, guardrails, safety nets, and harnesses. Workers must receive proper training in using these systems and be equipped with the necessary safety gear before starting any work at heights.

2. Unstable working platforms

Unstable or poorly maintained working platforms can significantly increase the risk of accidents. These platforms can include ladders, scaffolding, and elevated workstations. 

To ensure the stability and integrity of working platforms, regular inspections are vital.

3. Falling objects

Not only do workers face the risk of falling themselves, but they are also susceptible to falling objects. Proper precautions must be taken to prevent objects from dropping and injuring workers below. 

One effective measure is the use of tool lanyards. These prevent tools and equipment from falling when working at heights. Furthermore, a clear safety zone should be established to keep workers away from potential falling objects. 

Working at heights risk assessment

Falling from heights at work has severe implications for workers and management. Risk assessments are an essential part of the approach to worker safety for any organisation, and involve a process of assessment, taking precautions, recording findings and review. 

Risk assessments for working at heights need to take account of specific issues for different types of equipment and different situations such as roof work, fragile structures, ladders and scaffolding. Australia’s WAHA (Working at Heights Association) provides an informative guide to the standards which organisations need to follow.  

Working at heights safety

The right approach to safe working at heights needs awareness of do’s and don’ts. The approach to follow includes:

  • work with feet on the ground whenever possible
  • make sure workers can get up to high levels safely
  • use the right equipment for the job, and keep it in good order
  • take special care near fragile surfaces
  • supply workers with protection from falling objects
  • have clear emergency and rescue procedures in place to heights

Avoid

  • overloading and overreaching on ladders
  • resting ladders against glass, gutters and other weak supports
  • carrying heavy loads on ladders
  • working on ladders for more than 30 minutes
  • allowing workers who don’t know how to work on ladders, or are not physically able to do so

The appropriate use of safety equipment is a key issue for employers to meet their legal obligations. Nets, airbags, harnesses and safety lines need to be deployed for safe working, as well as other equipment for restraining workers from falling.

Best practices for working safely at heights

To ensure that we maintain the highest safety standards while working at heights, you should consider implementing the following best practices:

1. Comprehensive training

Before any employee begins work involving heights, they must undergo thorough and specialised training. This training covers the proper use of safety equipment, understanding potential hazards, emergency procedures, and safe work practices.

2. Risk assessments

Conducting regular risk assessments is essential to identify potential hazards and assess the effectiveness of existing safety measures.

3. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

The use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be mandatory for all employees working at heights. This includes helmets, gloves, safety harnesses, and slip-resistant footwear. Regular inspections ensure that the equipment is in good condition and meets safety standards. 

4. Regular inspections and maintenance

To maintain the integrity of all working platforms and safety equipment, you should follow a stringent inspection and maintenance schedule. Regular checks are carried out by trained professionals to identify and rectify any potential issues promptly.

5. Clear communication and coordination

Effective communication is crucial when working at heights. We implement a clear communication system, including hand signals and radios, to ensure seamless coordination among team members.

Australian safety standards and regulations

In Australia, working at height is strictly regulated by Safe Work Australia, an agency responsible for developing national policy and guidance for work health and safety. The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 lay down the legal framework for ensuring the safety of workers involved in elevated work.

Employers are obligated to conduct thorough risk assessments, implement control measures to mitigate risks, and provide adequate training to workers engaged in tasks at height. The Hierarchy of Controls is widely employed to manage risks, starting with eliminating the need to work at height, followed by substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The importance of training

One of the fundamental aspects of ensuring safety while working at height is providing comprehensive training to all personnel involved. Training should encompass not only the proper usage of equipment but also the understanding of potential hazards, emergency procedures, and the importance of teamwork.

Workers should receive training on the safe erection and dismantling of scaffolding, the correct procedures for using ladders, harnesses, and other PPE. Regular refresher courses should also be conducted to keep the knowledge and skills up to date.

Choosing the right equipment

Selecting the appropriate equipment for a specific task is critical in ensuring both safety and efficiency. The use of faulty or improper equipment can lead to accidents and delays in project completion. When working at height, the following equipment must be carefully chosen:

1. Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support workers and materials during construction, maintenance, or repair tasks. It is crucial to select the right type of scaffolding based on the project’s requirements and site conditions. Regular inspections and maintenance of scaffolding are essential to guarantee its structural integrity.

2. Ladders

When using ladders, it is important to choose the correct ladder for the task, considering the height and weight capacity. Workers should be trained on ladder safety, including proper positioning and securing.

3. Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs)

EWPs, such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts, are commonly used in various industries. Operators must be properly trained, and the equipment should be regularly inspected and well-maintained.

4. Fall Arrest Systems

Fall arrest systems, including harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points, play a crucial role in preventing falls from heights. These systems should comply with Australian safety standards, and workers must be trained in their proper use.

Weather Considerations

Weather conditions can significantly impact working at height. High winds, rain, or extreme heat can create hazardous situations. Employers must monitor weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to suspend work when conditions are unsafe. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that surfaces, such as scaffolding platforms and ladders, are not slippery due to rain or other weather-related factors.

Emergency Response and Rescue

Even with meticulous planning and adherence to safety protocols, accidents may still occur. That is why it is essential to have a well-defined emergency response plan in place. All workers should be familiar with emergency procedures, including rescue methods, in case someone falls or becomes injured.

Maintaining a safety culture

Creating and maintaining a strong safety culture within your organization is vital. Emphasize the importance of safety from the top down and encourage open communication about safety concerns. Recognize and reward employees who consistently follow safety procedures, fostering a positive safety culture that benefits everyone.

Safety apps for working at heights

Modern technology can make a major contribution to safe working at heights, especially for lone workers. The key questions to ask when purchasing a safety app are about your needs and your options.

The best mobile lone worker apps allow easy communication and monitoring for staff in virtually any isolated working environment. They will also be straightforward to run on mobile phones. Once installed, they will feed directly into a monitoring and control centre with functions such as check-ins, timed sessions, panic alarms and man down alerts. They will also allow direct calls and messaging to other members of the organisation.

Lone worker apps with satellite tracking are setup to work in all environments, and are an important safety asset for remote sites where normal phone networks are unreliable or unavailable. Wearable technology is also a key part of lone worker safety apps, allowing workers to use the app hands free. In situations where discreet communication is required, such as in the presence of a potential attacker, wearable apps can be hidden under clothing and operate with a swift, unnoticeable action.

To see how StaySafe can help you protect your lone workers, 24/7, wherever they are, book your free demo today.

Are you protecting your lone workers?

Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about lone working. From identifying the lone workers in your organisation, to the risks they face in different environments, our lone worker guide will ensure you know how to keep your staff protected and meet your legal duty of care.

Explore our range of lone worker solutions

See StaySafe in action

Looking for more information on protecting your lone workers?

We have a range of expert resources and topical blogs to help keep your lone working staff safe.

Guide to Lone Working

A comprehensive lone worker guide for employers, managers and the self employed.

Lone Worker Risk Assessment
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Three Questions to Ask When Purchasing a Lone Working Solution
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Lone Worker App

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Cloud Based Monitoring Hub
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Wearable Technology
Pairing the app with V.BTTN is a great solution for anyone working at height, with gloves or machinery, where pushing a button may be a more convenient way of using the StaySafe app.
Satellite Tracking Devices
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