WORKING AT HEIGHT

What is work at height?

Work at height is work in any place, including a place at, above or below ground level, where
a person could be injured if they fell from that place. Access and egress to a place of work
can also be work at height.

Examples of work activities that are classified as working at height:

 Working on trestles
 Working on a flat roof
 Erecting false work or formwork
 Working on a ladder
 Working at ground level adjacent to an excavation;
 Working on formwork within an excavation
 Working near or adjacent to fragile materials

WORKING AT HEIGHTS – THE DO’S

 DO as much work as you can while you are on the ground.
 DO make sure that the employees can safely move to and from the area where they are
working at height.
 DO ensure that the equipment that you’re using for the job is strong, stable and
suitable enough to get the job done. Inspect and maintain them regularly.
 DO be careful when you are working near to a fragile surface.
 DO ensure that you are protected from falling objects.
 DO make preparations for emergency evacuations and rescues.

WORKING AT HEIGHTS – THE DON’TS

 DON’T overload the ladders that they are working on, with equipment or materials.
 DON’T try to reach too far when on a ladder or stepladder.
 DON’T use ladders or stepladders to do work that entail heavy or strenuous tasks. Only
use them to do work that’s quick and light.
 DON’T allow incompetent workers to work at heights.
 DON’T lean or place the ladder on fragile surfaces.
 DON’T stay quiet when you feel someone is compromising their own safety or the
safety of others.
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What is the minimum height for working at height?
It's often assumed that you have to be working over 2 meters to be classed as
'working at height', but this isn't correct. After considering the number of accidents, it is
observed that if a person falls from 1.8 Meters or above in a certain position, it can cause
fatality of person.

10 Safety Tips for Working at Heights

 Use Railing. When you can, use railing. ...

 Select the Proper PPE. ...
 Inspect Your PPE. ...
 Ensure You Understand Fall Distance. ...
 Select an Acceptable Anchor Point. ...
 Use the Proper Equipment for Working at Heights (Scaffold vs Lift vs
Ladder) ...
 Ensure Proper Use of Aerial Lifts. ...
 Use Ladders Properly.
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