10 Tips for Safe Work at Heights

Working at heights is one of the most hazardous activities in construction, with over 1,000 fatalities and 100,000 serious injuries reported each year.

The risk of a fall is increased by a number of factors, including:

1. The height of the work area
2. The surface of the work area
3. The weather conditions
4. The use of tools and equipment
5. The presence of other workers

It is important to take all necessary precautions to prevent falls when working at heights. These precautions include:

1. Using fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines
2. Inspecting fall protection equipment before each use
3. Training workers on how to use fall protection equipment properly
4. Supervising workers who are working at heights
5. Establishing safe work practices, such as limiting the number of workers on a platform at one time and restricting access to areas where there is a risk of falling

By following these precautions, employers can help to reduce the risk of falls and protect their workers from serious injury or death.

Code of Practice for Working at Heights

In addition to the general precautions listed above, there are several specific code of practice that should be followed when working at heights. These code of practice include:

1. Planning: Before beginning work at heights, employers should conduct a risk assessment to identify the hazards and develop a plan for controlling them. The plan should include information on the following:
   • The height of the work area
   • The surface of the work area
   • The weather conditions
   • The use of tools and equipment
   • The presence of other workers
2. Training: Workers who are working at heights should be trained on the hazards of working at heights and how to use fall protection equipment properly. The training should be conducted by a qualified instructor and should include both classroom instruction and hands-on practice.
3. Supervision: Workers who are working at heights should be supervised by a competent person who is familiar with the hazards of working at heights and who can ensure that the workers are following safe work practices.
4. Fall protection equipment: Fall protection equipment should be used whenever there is a risk of falling. The equipment should be inspected before each use and should be replaced if it is damaged.
5. Safe work practices: Employers should establish safe work practices for working at heights. These practices should include the following:
   • Limiting the number of workers on a platform at one time
   • Restricting access to areas where there is a risk of falling
   • Using warning signs and barricades to identify hazards
   • Providing adequate lighting
   • Posting emergency contact information

By following these code of practice, employers can help to reduce the risk of falls and protect their workers from serious injury or death.

6 FAQs on Working at Heights Code of Practice

1. What is the definition of working at heights?
   Working at heights is defined as any work that is performed at or above a certain height above the ground or a lower level. The specific height that is considered to be working at heights varies from country to country, but it is typically between 1.8 and 2.5 meters (6 and 8 feet).

2. What are the risks of working at heights?
   The risks of working at heights include falls, falling objects, and being struck by objects. Falls are the most common cause of serious injury or death in the construction industry.

   

3. What are the legal requirements for working at heights?
   There are a number of legal requirements for working at heights, including the provision of fall protection equipment, training, and supervision. These requirements vary from country to country, but they are generally based on the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Convention 167 on Safety and Health in Construction.

4. What are the best practices for working at heights?
   The best practices for working at heights include:

   • Planning the work carefully
   • Training workers on the hazards of working at heights and how to use fall protection equipment properly
   • Supervising workers who are working at heights
   • Using fall protection equipment
   • Establishing safe work practices

5. What are the common mistakes that are made when working at heights?
   The common mistakes that are made when working at heights include:

   • Not using fall protection equipment
   • Not inspecting fall protection equipment before each use
   • Not training workers on how to use fall protection equipment properly
   • Not supervising workers who are working at heights
   • Not establishing safe work practices

6. What are the consequences of not following the code of practice for working at heights?
   The consequences of not following the code of practice for working at heights can include:

   

   • Serious injury or death
   • Legal liability
   • Financial penalties

4 Useful Tables for Working at Heights Code of Practice

Table 1: Fall Protection Equipment

Table 2: Safe Work Practices for Working at Heights

Table 3: Training Requirements for Working at Heights

Table 4: Legal Requirements for Working at Heights

Conclusion

Working at heights is a hazardous activity, but it can be done safely by following the code of practice. The code of practice includes requirements for planning the work, training workers, supervising workers, using fall protection equipment, and establishing safe work practices. By following these requirements, employers can help to reduce the risk of falls and protect their workers from serious injury or death.