5 tips for working safely at height

Safety is paramount when working at height. It is one of the biggest causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, and as an employer, it is your responsibility to minimise risk and adhere to regulations.

Familiarise yourself with the regulations.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 tell you what you need to know to comply with the law. They outline everything from planning and organising to weather restraints, equipment requirements and training. They also cover risk assessments and control, site inspections and falling objects.

Ensure you have the right training.

To work at height, you must have the knowledge, skills and training to work safely or be under the supervision of someone who does.

For short, low-risk tasks, on-the-job training may be sufficient. But, for those involving more complex equipment, operatives must be deemed competent and thus, you’ll need to invest in specific training courses or schemes, such as IPAF or PASMA courses. Warren Access are one of the UK’s leading providers of Work-at-height training, and you can find out more information and book on the training page of our website.

Use the right piece of equipment for the job.

Before you reach for any equipment to start work at height, you should assess whether there are safer ways of carrying out the work; for example, can you complete it from the ground using long-handled tools? If not, take the time to assess both the job and the working environment and ensure you select the safest piece of equipment for your situation, whether that is a van or truck mounted platform, spider lift, scissor lift or self-propelled boom. Not all will be suitable for your job or give you the height or access you require, and choosing the wrong one could have safety implications and contribute to accidents. If you’re unsure, seek expert advice – we are always happy to discuss your concerns and requirements.

Wear the right safety equipment.

Whatever the job, if you’re working at height, you will need some form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as restraint harnesses, high visibility jackets or hard hats, to keep you safe. Specifics will depend on the job, but it is essential that you use all equipment as per the manufacturer’s instructions and that everything is compliant with British or European standards. Warren Access can advise on the right equipment and supply any equipment you need, just browse our safety equipment section or give us a call to find out more. Part of which involves having all equipment regularly inspected by a qualified independent person – book your inspection today.

Have a site survey done by an expert

One of the best ways to ensure peace of mind and safe working practices is careful planning. Bringing independent experts in to conduct a site survey arms you with all the information you require to make the best decisions possible, and not only from a safety perspective. Using the right equipment has practical advantages too, saving you time, money and minimising disturbance. They are particularly beneficial for difficult-to-access jobs or those with limitations, such as protected buildings.

To find out more about how Warren Access can help you select the right machine for the job, ensure you have the safety equipment and that you’re meeting your regulatory responsibilities with regard to staff training, just get in touch