6 Safety Tips When Working at Heights

Being in a profession that constantly requires employees to work at height is one of the riskiest jobs in the world. One wrong move can be the difference between life and death.

In fact, when it comes to the major causes of serious injuries and work-related deaths, working at height is somewhere at the top of the list each year. Luckily, there are ways to decrease the risks to labourers so they can be more safe and secure on the job, which we’ll be discussing in this post.

What does ‘working at heights’ mean?

Working at heights implies a kind of work in any place where, if no precautions are taken, a person may fall from a distance that’s likely to cause personal injury or death. This work-related danger typically involves risks of falling from one level to a lower level.

Here’s how you can reduce the risks when working at heights

1. Have the proper training

All too often, people find themselves in job positions where they aren’t as qualified or trained as they should be. This can be a dangerous mistake.

If you want to stay safe while working at heights, proper training isn’t an option — it’s required by law. Working safely at heights isn’t something that comes by chance. Workers must have the right education, preparation, and determination to do the job successfully. Additional training that would benefit workers who are at heights is to take a first aid training course in Brisbane or other major cities. This will give you much-needed knowledge on basic treatments that may just save a life.

2. Plan your work more thoroughly

Before you start working at height, do as much work as you can while still on the ground. This may involve assembling what needs to be assembled or compiling the equipment you’ll need and leaving behind what you won’t need.

Also, pre-plan each step you’ll take in the process and have an idea of what you’ll have to do in emergency situations, including evacuation, fall-protection, and hazards for people on the ground.

Wherever possible, try to find safe alternative solutions to prevent working at heights and exposing yourself or other workers to risks.

3. Don’t forget to use the railing

Using rails can help you maintain your balance while working at heights. This can act as passive protection and is one of the simplest ways to keep yourself safe since it merely requires staying within the rails. There are different styles of railing systems for almost any type of work at heights. They are designed by worksite carpenters or are available prefabricated from manufacturers.

4. Always use the right equipment

Completing the job at heights requires having the right equipment. Strapping yourself into a harness or other safety equipment prevents you from fall-related injuries. It is also good to have the right safety equipment such as a helmet, gloves, and goggles when necessary. Furthermore, the safety equipment has to be maintained regularly. Any piece of equipment that falls and experiences an impact should be immediately replaced.

5. Be aware of the fall distance

Even with the right equipment and safety lines, if you are not at an appropriate length to allow these items to help you, then you may still suffer from serious injuries. In other words, safety lines need to have an appropriate length to stop a fall. Understanding the fall distance will let you choose the right type of fall arrest system for the project you’re working on.

6. Ensure you’re using ladders properly

Many people have ladders but don’t know how to use them correctly. When not used properly, ladders can also be a safety risk.

Make sure that using ladders is the best option for what you need to do. If so, then educate yourself on their proper use to prevent fall-related injuries. Ladders should always be placed on level ground so they remain stable. Steer clear of wet, muddy, icy, or snowy surfaces and make sure the ladder can firmly stay in place.

With the proper precautions, working from heights can be relatively safe

People often think that people who don’t have a fear of heights are guaranteed to be safe while working. The truth is that anyone is at risk when dealing with heights, regardless of a person’s comfort level. Fortunately, there are ways to be safer on the job so you can work at heights with greater confidence and security.