How to Work Safely at Height?

How to Work Safely at Height Any time you or a member of your crew works at a height, the risk of serious injury increases. In fact, there’s a chance of being injured, even when you’re just a few inches off of the ground. To reduce the risk of injury and increase safety, workers must receive adequate safety standards. They must follow safety procedures. Finally, they must have the right equipment. Have a Plan For Each Job Before you begin, take the time to create a specific plan of action for tackling any job to be done at a height. First, survey the area. What are the fall hazards? How much room do you have to work? Then create a step-by-step plan for completing the job quickly and safely. When you have a detailed work plan, you’ll avoid excessive trips up and down ladders or podium steps. You can also use planning to avoid moving work equipment around too much, or overcrowding work areas with excessive people or equipment. Clear The Area Below The Job All work areas should be cleared of unnecessary people and equipment. Check the area for hazards and remove those as well. Remember that falls are bad. Falls onto sharp or otherwise dangerous surfaces are even more so. It’s important that you understand fall distance as well. PPE equipment such as lanyards, harnesses, and deceleration devices can prevent injury. They can even save lives. However, this is only true if they have time to deploy, and you’ve properly calculated the fall distance. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of simply assuming that the length of the safety rope or lanyard is all they need to know when they consider fall distance. In reality, you have to consider the height of the worker, the distance before the safety equipment will deploy, any drag created, etc. The Health and Safety Executive has helpful information on safe use of fall prevention equipment with text included on fall distance.

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