Falls from height were the cause of most work-related fatalities in Britain during 2021/22.
The most recent annual figures published by the HSE revealed that 29 workers were killed in falls from height last year.
Employers and those in control of work at height must first assess the risks.
Before working at height you must follow these simple steps:
- Avoid work at height where it is reasonably practicable to do so.
- Where work at height cannot be easily avoided, prevent falls using either an existing place of work that is already safe, or the right type of equipment.
- Minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, by using the right type of equipment where the risk cannot be eliminated.
You should:
- Do as much work as possible from the ground.
- Ensure workers can get safely to and from where they work at height.
- Ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job, maintained and checked regularly.
- Not overload or overreach when working at height.
- Take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces.
- Provide protection from falling objects.
- Consider emergency evacuation and rescue procedures.
The HSE website has a range of useful information and sources of advice for employers including some common work at height myths.
MSP offers online training courses for Working at Height and Working Safely. If you have any queries please contact us.