Safe Working at Height

Safe Working at Height

Before undertaking work at height, follow these simple steps:

1. Avoid Work at Height – where it is reasonably practicable to do so
2. Take Precautions – where work at height cannot be avoided, prevent falls using either an existing place of work that is already safe, or selecting appropriate equipment
3. Minimise – the distance and consequences of a fall, by using the right type of equipment where the risks cannot be eliminated.

Working at Height continues to be the greatest causal factor for fatalities and serious injury in construction, predominantly from relatively low heights (2-3 metres above ground level). Roof work is high-risk. Falls from roofs, through fragile roofs and fragile roof lights are one of the most common causes of workplace death and serious injury.

All work at height must be adequately planned, risk assessed and organised to avoid, or at least reduce, risks as low as reasonably practicable. The key messaging from the Health and Safety Authority is to:

• Carry out risk assessments for work at height activities and make sure that all work is planned, organised, and carried out by a competent person.
• Follow the ‘General Principles of Prevention’ for managing risks from work at height, taking steps to avoid, prevent or reduce risks.
• Chose appropriate work equipment and prioritise collective measures to prevent falls (such as guard rails and working platforms) before other measures which may only reduce the distance and consequences of a fall (such as nets or airbags) or may only provide fall-arrest through personal protection equipment.

The HSA affords access to a wealth of information on its webpage: https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Work_at_Height/

HILTI recommends three methods to be employed to make working at height safer:

1. Cordless Tools – they are lighter than regular tools, but the absence of a cord means they are perfect for working at height and avoiding potentially dangerous tangles.
2. Tool Tethers – a tool tether is a preventative measure for dropping a tool from height. The shock-absorbing bungee-style tether will catch a dropped tool, reducing damage and preventing injury to workers.
3. Direct Fastening – direct fastening is a great alternative to traditional drilling and fixing methods, which typically require more tools and moving parts, not to mention movements. Products such as the DX pole tool allow for work to be undertaken from the ground, eliminating work at height.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Recent data from the Health and Safety Authority has identified the top 5 triggers associated with non-fatal injuries in construction over the past 5 years; these are:

As verified by the HSA statistics, slips trips and falls on the same level are relatively common and may result in personal injury. In fact, the Agency has determined that every working day, 7 persons are hurt in workplace slips, trips and falls. The following advice is offered:

• Implement a systematic approach to Slip Risk Assessment and Prevention
• Avail of the HSA’s online training on ‘Slips, Trips and Falls’ and ‘Safer Stairs and Steps’ via https://hsalearning.ie/
• Review HSA Information Sheets on Preventing Work STF, Safer Work Stairs and Steps, Preventing Vehicles STF and Choosing Slip-resistant Footwear
• Refer to extensive HSA webpage content on STF Info, High-risk Areas, Spills, Pedestrian Surfaces, Environmental Cleanliness, Footwear, Ice and Over-used Signs

Good housekeeping is a proactive means for addressing the risk of slips, trip and falls in the workplace. Adoption of a ‘clean-as-you-go’ approach has proven effective in minimising the associated risks.

Useful Links

EU-OSHA – European Safety Week 2022 Campaign Materials

HSA – Slips Trips Falls

HSA – Slip Risk Assessment and Prevention

HSA – Pedestrian Surfaces

HSA – Management of Manual Handling in the Workplace

HSA – Risk Assessment for Managing Ergonomic Risks

HSA – Managing Ergonomic Risk in the Workplace to Improve Musculoskeletal Health

HSA – Reducing the Manual Handling of Glazing Units – Information Sheet

HSA – Reducing the Manual Handling of Roof Panels

HSA – Guide on Manual Handling Risk Management in Transport and Storage

HSA – Guide to SHWW (General Application Regs) Manual Handling of Loads

HSE(UK) – Free Manual Handling Assessment Chart (MAC) Tool

HSE(UK) – Free Risk Assessment of Pushing and Pulling (RAPP) Tool

HSE(UK) – Free Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART) Tool