Working at height is inherently hazardous, with falling from height and being struck by falling objects being the two leading incidents in such work. Unsafe conditions and inadequate attention on working at height may result in fatalities and serious injuries. To ensure that work at height is made safe, some of the measures to be taken include:
1. Conduct risk assessment: To ensure safe operations, thorough risk assessment and careful planning are required before commencement of work. Through the use of effective control measures, it is possible to remove or minimise the hazards of working at height.
2. Implement effective Engineering control methods: Guard rail systems and toe-boards, once properly erected, can effectively prevent persons from accidentally falling over open sides and objects from being knocked over unintentionally.
[1] Guard rails and toe-boards prevent persons from falling and will prevent objects from being dislodged.
[2] A safe means of access and egress must be provided.
3. Use appropriate PPE: The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used in conjunction with other forms of fall prevention or protection, to provide a secondary layer of protection. In instances where other methods of control are not suitable, PPE may be used as a last resort to afford protection to workers.
4. Ensure proper housekeeping: Simple practices such as good housekeeping help to enhance safety for work at height. By keeping the work platforms and surfaces clear of materials and tools, falling objects and slips are prevented.
A good safety standard at work is also good for productivity. The safe workplace would enable the workers to concentrate on doing their work better.
Great article, I'll be sharing this and any I find similar. Not enough people appreciate the dangers of working at height, despite how obvious some of them may be! Anybody based in the UK should check out the Promax Access blog if they're interested in reading the current guidelines on safety at height.
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