One of the most common causes of workplace injuries and fatalities are falls at height. Working at height pertains to working in any area where an employee could fall at a certain distance that can cause him or her personal injury. And this is situation can occur especially if there were no safety precautions in place in such areas.
Working at height does not only pertain to working from atop the roof of house or a tall building or in tall infrastructures that are still under construction. Employees who are working in an area where they can fall down a breakable surface, a cavernous opening in the floor or hole in the ground are also considered working at height.
Since employees who regularly work at height are always are always at “high risk”, it is important that employers or business owners prioritize their safety and protection whenever they are at their work site. Below are some ways and strategies employers can implement to ensure the safety and protection of their employees who regularly work at height:
• Make sure a full and thorough risk assessment was done before the work is started and that this procedure is done or updated regularly. It is important that the potential hazards employees who will work at height will face are identified and there is a good plan in place that they should follow to in case an accident or emergency happens. A risk assessment is an important process since this will help you find out if the area is safe or not for employees to work in and it is the basis as well for the emergency and rescue plan you need to have in place and that must be followed by all involved employees.
• Before starting the actual work, make sure that you have an emergency and evacuation plan in place, in case of an accident and other types of emergency situation.
• All employees working at height must have the correct equipment and gear. The employees should have and always wear the correct personal protective equipment and they should always be using the proper height safety equipment as well at all times.
• Only the most qualified persons should be allowed to work at height. Make sure the employees who will be working in such areas are properly trained and that they possess the relevant experience and knowledge to safely handle this risky job.
• To ensure the safety of your employees, you need to have them regularly undergo new and relevant training courses regarding height safety.