Working at height can present significant risks if the task is not correctly managed and controlled. That’s why the primary goal of this Safety Essential is to prevent falls from height, which can result in serious and often fatal injuries. To achieve this, it is fundamental to use the correct access equipment and fall protection. This includes harnesses, lifelines, guardrails, safety nets, among others, which are all designed to provide a safe working environment and minimize the risk of incidents.
Managers play a crucial role in ensuring safety at height. They are responsible for providing suitable means of access for all tasks and must ensure that safe systems of work are in place and understood by all employees. This involves conducting regular safety training, performing risk assessments, checking equipment certifications and test reports, and implementing safety procedures that are tailored to the specific tasks and environments.
Employees have the responsibility to use the appropriate equipment provided and to always follow the established safe systems of work. This means wearing the necessary protective gear, following the safe systems of work, adhering to safety guidelines, and reporting any hazards or unsafe conditions to their supervisors.
Both managers and employees must work together to ensure that all safety measures are in place and strictly followed. So, Let’s do it!
You can find these Safety Essentials in PDF format on the UK News download page: here