http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/735/contents/made WORKING AT HEIGHT
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
Richard Miller, Co-founder and MD of Star Plat forms, highlights specific regulations for those to working above ground.
Falls from height are consistently the biggest contributor to fatal accidents for workers in the UK. It’s more of a threat than being struck by moving vehicles or objects or working with forms of machinery. Many overlook the dangers that working at height presents and can often feel like it’s only reckless individuals who can come to harm. This sadly isn’t true. Whether you are working at height yourself, or you are an employer responsible for those doing so, you need to be aware of the safety measures and regulations to ensure everyone is kept healthy when performing tasks at height.
WHAT CLASSIFIES WORKING AT HEIGHT? Working at height can be 20-metres high in a cherry picker doing maintenance work, but it could also be three metres high on a ladder painting a building. Both require the same amount of care and attention to remain compliant and safe.
WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS YOU NEED TO
BE AWARE OF? The government laid out all of its guidance for this type of work in The Work at Height Regulations 2005. Within this, there are details on how to remain safe and compliant when working at height and when using machinery.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO ENSURE SAFETY
WHEN WORKING AT HEIGHT? Using the regulations set out by the government, and our own experience, the following points are things you should consider when working at height or supervising those who are.
HAVE THE NECESSARY TRAINING IN PLACE Working at height training can be found in many places, online or in-person, but you should look for those that offer International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) accredited training to ensure you are getting an industry-recognised qualification and understanding of the machinery and dangers you may be facing.
Ensure you and your employees understand how to operate the machinery as if they were driving their own car. All those working at height should understand how to perform a good risk assessment,
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including the environment around them and their work.
ENSURE THE ENVIRONMENT IS SAFE The area around the machinery or equipment you are using should be clear of obstacles, distractions and trip hazards. The last thing you need is some equipment slipping on an unchecked oil spillage for example. If you are working outside and the ground is not firm, review the area, this may reveal hidden holes in the grass or extremely soft soil that your equipment may be unstable on and present a safety hazard.
CONSIDER THOSE AROUND YOU Your own personal safety may have been assured through risk assessments and equipment, however, consideration for the general public or other staff members where you are working must be given. To give one example, it is responsible to cordon off an area around where you are working with a three gate barrier to ensure no falling debris could hit a passer-by.
“Even something as simple as checking the mechanism on a step ladder or testing the
clips on a harness could be the simplest five seconds that will save lives.”
THOROUGHLY CHECK EQUIPMENT Working at height training will help you to understand how to maintain equipment and ensure you are not using faulty machinery, but you should assess all equipment before undertaking any work. Even something as simple as checking the mechanism on a step ladder or testing the clips on a harness could be the simplest five seconds that will save lives. If you are unsure as to the quality or condition of equipment have someone else assess it and never use faulty or damaged machinery.
www.starplatforms.co.uk www.tomorrowshs.com
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