Last Updated on August 23, 2023 by Ossian Muscad
Working at height refers to any work activity where there is a risk of falling that could cause personal injury. It is a common requirement in many industries, such as construction, utilities, and telecommunication. However, this activity does not come without risks. Every year, accidents occur due to unpreparedness or lack of knowledge about safety measures when working at heights, leading to severe injuries or even fatal outcomes.
This guide aims to provide vital information about engaging in these tasks safely. We offer practical tips for safer working at heights, highlighting the essential precautions that every worker must be aware of to mitigate the inherent risks associated with these operations.
What is Working at Height?
Working at height can be defined as any work performed where, if necessary precautions are not taken, a person could fall a distance, resulting in injury. This could involve work activities conducted above ground floor level, near an edge, hole, or slope, or working on a fragile surface.
Working at height is not just about working on scaffolds, ladders, or flat roofs. Even tasks that may seem innocuous, such as accessing shelves using a stepladder or working next to an excavation, can pose risks if not done correctly.
Regardless of the height, the potential risk and consequence of the fall matter. Hence, conducting a thorough risk assessment before initiating any work at heights is crucial to ensure adequate safety measures are in place.
Why is Working at Heights a Major Cause of Injuries and Fatalities in the Workplace?
Working at heights is a major cause of injuries and fatalities in the workplace, primarily due to the potential for falls from significant elevations. Failure to use safety equipment properly or a lack of appropriate safety measures can lead to mishaps.
Additionally, unstable working surfaces, human error, or adverse weather conditions can turn even the most routine tasks into perilous situations. Workers may also suffer injuries from falling objects or from falling themselves while carrying heavy equipment or materials.
Inadequate training and supervision contribute to these incidents as workers might not be fully aware of the dangers inherent in their tasks or the precautions they should take. Therefore, it’s crucial to properly assess and manage the risks associated with working at heights to minimize potential injuries or fatalities.
Defining the Threshold of ‘Working at Height’
It’s crucial to understand that ‘working at height’ doesn’t necessarily mean a work task done at a significant height above ground level. It refers to any work activity where there is a risk of a fall that could cause harm.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Guidelines
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set stringent guidelines for working at height in the United States. For general industry, OSHA considers a working height to start at 4 feet above the ground. For construction work, the height starts at 6 feet above the ground, and for scaffolding, it begins at 10 feet.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Guidelines
In the United Kingdom, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) places no minimum height at which a worker is considered to be ‘working at height.’ If there is a risk of a fall that could cause personal injury, then the work is considered ‘work at height.’
These guidelines aim to promote safer working at heights, ensuring that workers and employers understand that any height can pose a risk and that appropriate safety measures should be implemented.
Activities Classified as ‘Working at Height’
Numerous activities can be classified as ‘working at height.’ Here are some common examples:
- Construction Work: This includes working on scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated platforms. Tasks may involve erecting buildings, bridges, or other structures, painting, or maintenance work.
- Telecommunication and Utility Services: Technicians often work to install, repair, or maintain telecommunication lines or utility poles at significant heights.
- Tree Work: Tree surgeons frequently work at heights when pruning, trimming, or felling trees.
- Window Cleaning: Workers clean windows on multi-story buildings using ladders, scaffolding, or suspended platforms.
- Warehousing: Workers accessing high shelves using a ladder or forklift are considered to be working at height.
- Agricultural and Horticultural Work includes fruit picking or working on elevated farming equipment.
- Emergency Services: Firefighters and rescue teams often work at heights during rescue operations.
Remember, any task that involves the risk of falling from one level to another, sufficient to cause personal injury, is considered as ‘working at height.’ Therefore, it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of workers engaged in these activities.
Major Factors Contributing to Accidents when Working at Height
Numerous factors contribute to accidents when working at height. Here are the most common ones:
- Lack of Proper Planning and Risk Assessment: Before workers start any height-related tasks, it’s vital to conduct thorough planning and risk assessment. Failing to do so can result in unforeseen hazards and potential accidents.
- Insufficient Training: Workers inadequately trained in safety procedures and the correct operation of safety equipment are more likely to have accidents.
- Faulty or Inappropriate Equipment: Using defective or ill-suited equipment for a specific job heightens the risk of accidents.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Working at great heights during adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds or rain, significantly increases the risk of falls and other injuries.
- Failing To Use Safety Equipment: Failure to use or properly maintain safety equipment can lead to disastrous consequences.
- Lack of Supervision: Without proper supervision, workers might not adhere to safety protocols, leading to dangerous situations.
- Human Error: Simple missteps, slips, or loss of balance can lead to serious falls when working at height.
- Unsafe Work Practices: Ignoring safety measures for speed or convenience can result in severe accidents.
How To Make Working at Height Safer?
Ensuring safety during height-related tasks is a shared responsibility between employers and employees. Both parties must take proactive measures to reduce the risk associated with such tasks. Here are some essential tips to make working at height safer:
Proper Planning and Risk Assessment
Before beginning any work at height, comprehensive planning and risk assessment should be conducted. These assessments should identify potential hazards, evaluate risks, and propose mitigating actions. They should also be regularly reviewed and updated to account for any changes in the work environment.
Adequate Training and Supervision
Workers must be trained on correctly using safety equipment and established safety procedures. Regular refresher courses are also important to keep safety practices top of mind. Supervisors should monitor employees to ensure they follow safety protocols and promptly address risky behaviors.
Use of Appropriate Safety Equipment
Workers should use the correct safety equipment for their specific tasks. This includes harnesses, safety nets, guardrails, and fall arrest systems. Equipment should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it’s in good working condition.
Adherence to Safety Protocols
Ignoring safety procedures can have devastating consequences. Workers must always adhere to established safety protocols, even if they seem time-consuming or inconvenient. This includes using safety equipment properly, following the correct procedures for ascending and descending and avoiding risky behaviors such as overreaching or rushing.
Controlled Access to High-Risk Areas
Access to areas where height work is being conducted should be limited to trained and authorized personnel only. This helps to reduce the risk of untrained or unaware individuals entering potentially dangerous areas.
Regular Breaks to Mitigate Fatigue
Working at height can be physically demanding and fatiguing. Workers should take regular breaks to avoid becoming tired, as fatigue can lead to mistakes and accidents.
By implementing these safety measures, employers and employees can contribute to a safer working environment for work-at-height tasks. Safety should be the top priority in any work environment, and it always pays to be cautious when working at height.
Promote Working at Height Safety Using a Low-code Platform
If you are looking for an easy and cost-effective way to promote safety when working at height in your organization, consider using a low-code platform. Low-code platforms allow users to create customized mobile apps without coding; they provide a wide range of tools to help businesses quickly develop and deploy their custom applications within minutes.
With such platforms, organizations can build custom mobile applications for workers to ensure easy access to safety information, such as established protocols, risk assessment documents, and equipment inspection records. At the same time, these applications can serve as a platform to educate workers on safety measures and to encourage them to follow established protocols.
Low-code platforms are an excellent way for employers to promote proper safety practices when working at height in their organization. By leveraging such tools, businesses can help protect their employees’ health and well-being while avoiding costly workplace accidents.
Why Use DATAMYTE?
DATAMYTE is a quality management platform with low-code capabilities. The DataMyte Digital Clipboard, in particular, is a low-code workflow automation software that features a checklist and smart form builder. This tool lets you create comprehensive checklists and forms that can be used to assess the safety of situations where safety is essential—such as when working at height.
To create a checklist or form template using DATAMYTE, follow these steps:
- Log in to the DATAMYTE software and navigate to the ‘Checklist’ module.
- Click “Create Checklist.”
- Add a title to your checklist or template; select the category where it belongs.
- Start adding items to the checklist or template by clicking “Add Item.”
- Define the description of each item, what type of answer it requires, and other relevant specifications (e.g., reference documents, acceptance criteria, limits).
- Assign a team member responsible for conducting the inspection using the checklist or template.
- Add signature fields for approvals (e.g., supervisors, quality assurance personnel).
- Save the checklist or template—you can now access it anywhere, and it will be available on any device.
DATAMYTE also lets you conduct layered process audits, a high-frequency evaluation of critical process steps, focusing on areas with the highest failure risk or non-compliance. Conducting LPA with DATAMYTE lets you effectively identify and correct potential defects before they become major quality issues.
With DATAMYTE, you have an all-in-one solution for creating and implementing safety measures for working at height. This comprehensive platform helps you promote safety, reduce risks, and ultimately protect the health and well-being of workers in your organization. Book a demo now to learn how DATAMYTE can help you maintain safe and compliant working conditions.
Conclusion
Safety at heights is paramount and requires meticulous planning, adequate training, and appropriate safety equipment. Organizations can promote safer working environments and protect their employees’ well-being by adhering to safety protocols and implementing digital solutions like DATAMYTE’s low-code workflow automation software. Remember, a safe workplace is a productive workplace. Invest in your employees’ safety today for a more efficient and secure tomorrow. Get started today!
