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Staying Safe at Heights

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A lot of work and training goes into staying safe when performing jobs that require working at height.

Working at height refers to any job role that involves tasks performed above ground level. This generally refers to those in trades that work in roles such as construction workers, builders, electricians and tree surgeons, to name a few examples.

Tasks may include installing solar panels on roofs, trimming branches that could potentially fall and cause damage, rewiring a streetlight, window cleaning or general construction work on a tall building.

Any employers and companies involved in providing these kinds of services have to follow strict health and safety guidelines and regulations.

Working at height comes with risk of injury after all. In fact, it’s one of the biggest causes of injury and fatalities in the workplace, so everything should be done to follow proper procedure and safety standards in order to reduce these risks and prevent accidents.

In this article, we’ll be looking at how workers stay safe whilst performing jobs up high…

Training

Before a worker takes one step on a ladder or scaffolding platform, they must have a clear understanding of risks and safety procedures. Usually this understanding begins with education such as PASMA training and other courses specific to the industry and work.

PASMA stands for Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association and is a nationally recognised program that trains workers how to safely use equipment such as mobile access towers.

Mobile access towers are lightweight towers made from scaffolding. They allow workers to scale heights in order to work. They are essentially ladders with a wide platform you can stand on, and are great if the specific task at height will take a while.

These towers are versatile and can be assembled in various heights, used indoors and outdoors, and sometimes have wheels for easy manoeuvrability.

The PASMA courses also cover the assembly and disassembly of the equipment, how to inspect it so that you know it’s safe to use as well as a combination of practical and theoretical activities.

Other courses and training include general training, such as:

  • Height awareness
  • Health and safety in construction
  • Risk assessment
  • Specialised equipment training
  • Ladder safety
  • Scaffolding safety
  • First Aid Training
  • IPAF training – for heavy equipment such as scissor lifts and cherry pickers
  • Rescue and emergency response training (in case of accidents)
  • Rope access training
  • Training for site supervisors
  • Industry specific training for working on very specific things like wind turbines or working in confined spaces

Things That Every Worker Needs to Be Aware of

Site Inspection and Risk Assessment

Before any project is started, site inspections must take place in order to identify any potential risks and hazards. This includes things such as uneven ground, unstable structures or nearby electrical wires.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Planning around weather also comes into play. Weather forecasts need to be regularly checked as wind, rain, and ice can significantly increase the chance of accidents when working up high. This may mean rescheduling work if weather is not appropriate on the day.

Workwear

Appropriate gear and workwear should also be stocked and provided, such as PPE, helmets, high vis wear, gloves, steel-toe boots, safety harnesses, non-slip boots, and anything else that can protect workers and reduce the risk of injury.

Tools, Equipment and Machinery

Every worker using tools and machinery must be fully trained and qualified at using said equipment, as this also prevents any misuse or lack of knowledge that could lead to accidents. Inspections should be made on all tools and machinery to make sure they are in proper working order and fit for purpose.

Final Thoughts

With full and proper training and the subsequent following of strict guidelines and procedures, workers in various trades will be able to safely perform their jobs even in very high places.

A lot of work goes into preventing accidents in workplaces and trades such as these, so the next time you see builders working up high, or are thinking about a career in a related field, don’t worry – the education and equipment has you covered, just as long as you learn and follow it.

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