Don’t Take the Risk: the Importance of Working Safely at Height
A1 Height Safety Ltd • April 8, 2020
It doesn’t matter if you're carrying out DIY on your roof or are performing maintenance tasks on atop a tall building, working at height produces a host of risks that other jobs just don’t have to contend with.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height, whether on a ladder or from more extreme distances, remains one the biggest cause of injury and death in the UK. Because of this, it really is essential that you treat the potential dangers of working at heights seriously.
Why is it so important?
During the 2018/2019 year, 147 people were killed while at work. Out of this 147, 40 were people who were working at height and fell. Because of this, three people were fatally injured every month due to falls from height, a number that has increased from the year before.
With this in mind, it is now more important than ever that teams take working at height seriously in order to prevent disaster. Aside from the moral obligation to protect you and your team, a fall from height can lead to costly litigation and job losses which could completely halt your business.
What can I do?
While there are a host of rules and regulations that are set out by HSE, there are a few things you need to remember whenever you’re considering working from height in order to get you started. For starters, planning is everything when it comes to height safety. A competent person with knowledge and experience of planning working at height needs to be in charge of this process.
A quality planner will ensure that, where working at height isn’t necessary, it isn’t done or is at least minimised to reduce the danger of falling. They will also provide teams with the equipment required to maximize safety, looking to cover ‘collective’ protection as well as ‘personal’ protection.
By taking these first steps into consideration, you are well on your way to ensuring that you’re working safely at height. The HSE website
is also an extremely useful resource for understanding your responsibilities.
Get in touch with the professionals at A1 Height Safety Ltd
Taking the necessary precautions to protect you and your team while working at height is vital. With this in mind, you need height safety equipment you can trust - this is where A1 Height Safety can help.
With an extensive range of equipment and resources specifically designed to keep you safe when working at heights, you can rest assured that our experienced team can help with your safety needs.
For more information, get in touch with our team on 01446 738 897 or visit our website.
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Health and safety is vital in any workplace, but particularly if the work carries greater risks. Working on a roof can be very hazardous as it involves working at height and falls from roofs account for 24% of all construction falls. It’s essential that the right precautions and equipment are in place for anyone working on a roof, even if the job is relatively short. Employers also have a responsibility to comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, so see below for some top tips for working safely on a roof. Ensure safe access Roof safety starts with ensuring safe access for any employees working on the roof. Access methods should always be planned in advance in line with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Common methods to access roofs include scaffold towers, mobile access platforms, stair towers, ladders and roof access hatches. Any access equipment should always be inspected before use to ensure that it’s safe. Beware of fragile surfaces A roof might look strong and sturdy but it’s impossible to tell its weight bearing capacities by sight alone. Sheet roofs can be particularly vulnerable so always take extra precautions when working on this fragile surface. Workers should also take extra care to look out for roof lights as these can be a particular hazard. If any are identified, always ensure they are blocked off or clearly marked. Have the right PPE The right personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for anyone working on a roof. This includes fall restraint or fall arrest systems, protective footwear, safety helmets, high visibility clothing and safety goggles. PPE for each individual should always be combined with more general protective equipment, such as guard rails and safety nets. Proper training It’s vital to ensure that anyone working on a roof is fully trained and competent to do so. This includes proper training in the installation and use of safety measures and knowledge of the risks associated with working at height. All employees should be aware of how to keep themselves safe and how to reduce the risk to others. If you’re looking for the highest quality height safety equipment, get in touch with the team at A1 Height Safety . We’re proud to provide a range of equipment to keep employees safe when working on a roof, including height wire systems, fall arrest systems, harness anchor points and much more. All of our employees are fully trained and we have all the expertise and knowledge necessary to ensure your business stays safe and fully compliant. For more information about our fall protection equipment or training, give us a call today on 01446 738 897 or contact us online.
If you work in construction, maintenance or a similar profession then working at height is often an essential part of your day to day job.
