What is working at height?
Working at height is defined as work activities in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.
For example, working above a ground or floor level, with a possibility of falling from an edge, through an opening, through a fragile surface, etc. Contrary to what one may think, there is no minimum height measurement that classifies as working at height.
There have been tons of instances where working at height wasn’t effectively managed; whether this is legal compliance or ease of access. Recently, there was a case held at Leeds Magistrates Court due to significant failings that resulted in a worker falling from scaffolding. The scaffolding had not been erected in accordance with TG20:13, and no preventive measures were in place to stop people from falling through fragile roof lights.
So what do we need to do to keep ourselves safe?
- Firstly; avoid the need to work at height. Consider this, can the work be completed by using extending equipment from the ground?
- Secondly; prevent falls by using appropriate access equipment, such as work platforms or rope access.
- Finally, reduce the distance and consequence of a fall, in the event one were to occur.
To help you work safely, we have created a Working at Height Checklist just for you! Fill in the contact form below to access your own free copy.
The checklist contains the questions you should be asking yourself before taking on work at height. Once you’re finished, tally up your answers. Work should only commence when you’ve answered ‘yes’ to all the questions. If you have a few ‘no’ answers, go back to your work plan and revise accordingly.