PPE GET AHEAD WITH HEIGHT
Adam Evans, ABUS UK Managing Director UK and Ireland, investigates how planning, equipment and safe working practices can reduce risk and support compliance when working at height.
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities, affecting sectors ranging from construction and maintenance to agriculture and commercial property management.
A recent BBC report highlighted a worker who fell approximately 13 feet from a roof while working alone, sustaining serious injuries. The business owner was given a suspended prison sentence, as the investigation revealed the task had not been properly planned, the risks were not adequately controlled, and no measures were in place to prevent a fall or reduce its impact.
The case was described as “tragic but avoidable incident,” one which illustrates the importance of thorough planning, appropriate equipment, and comprehensive training in managing the risks associated with working at height.
Ultimately, “had suitable control measures been implemented, this incident would not have occurred,” said the Health and Safety Executive Lead Inspector.
PLANNING AND RISK ASSESSMENT
Analysis of incidents highlights the value of considering ways to reduce exposure to risk then tasks involve work at height.
Reports have highlighted situations in which tasks might have been completed with less direct exposure, such as using equipment or platforms that allow work to be carried out from a safer position.
Comprehensive risk assessments occurring prior to any works programme considers of site conditions, weather, fragile surfaces, and interactions with other workers
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or equipment, while also reflecting the duration and complexity of the task. These factors inform decisions about equipment selection, supervision and contingency measures to manage hazards effectively.
The selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical part of planning. Harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points must be compatible, meet current standards, and be regularly inspected. Alongside the importance of comfort to ensure each worker accepts and understands the requirements to adopt such protective measures.
The effectiveness of these systems also depends on their technical specification and on their capability to integrate with other safety measures and the work environment.
Historical incident reviews frequently demonstrate how reliance on a single device or on assumptions about worker experience can increase the likelihood of injury. Embedding protective systems within broader safety procedures, combined with consistent checks and maintenance, strengthens their reliability in day-to-day operations.
Training and competence are closely linked with planning and equipment. Workers benefit from a combination of technical instruction and practical exercises that reinforce knowledge, develop situational awareness, and support confident use of protective systems.
Familiarity with emergency procedures, including rescue plans, enables workers to respond effectively if a fall occurs. Routine refreshers and supervision help maintain these skills and ensure that safe practices are reinforced as part of everyday work, reducing the risk of lapses that could lead to incidents.
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