5 Working at Heights Safety Tips

Control measures when working at heights should be well put. Outlined below are 5 working at height safety tips you need to know.

Do you have staff frequently working on tall ladders and scaffolds? If so, you know the fear and anxiety this can create.

Are they working safely? Are they using accurate fall protection equipment for working at height?

Keep your staff and your workplace safe by ensuring proper safety procedures are followed. Keep reading to learn five helpful safety tips when working on tall worksites and roofs.

1. Use Proper Fall Protection

When working from heights, all staff should be equipped with the needed fall protection equipment and should know how to use it properly. Harnesses and lanyards should be used when undertaking work at heights so protect workers.

Equipment should be both checked by the user before each wear and should also be checked regularly by an expert on staff on a regular basis. Staff must understand the importance of this, as a safety check of equipment can save lives.

2. Know When to Use Ladder vs. Scaffolds When Working At Height

Different heights require different safety equipment, and you should always be aware when heights require a scaffold or a ladder. While a scaffold or lift might be best for certain jobs, especially those that will require the worker to spend a lot of time on-site, some work environments may not have space for scaffolding.

In this case, a ladder may be required. Ladder users should always follow the three-point rule for safety, meaning at least three points of contact (such as two legs and one arm) should always be connected to the ladder.

3. Train All Staff Regularly

Staff training is vital to an injury-free and healthy workplace. Your company should have a detailed health and safety plan that all staff and managers abide by. A good starting point for training guidelines is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OHSA) advice for fall prevention training.

This should include best practice behavior when working on roofs, scaffolds, and ladders.

4. Install Railings

When working on roof sites, always take the time to install railings. Railings are an easy way to add safety to a worksite, providing protection against falling tools, drops, or accidents.

Guardrails or railings can be installed on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on need. Make sure that any railings installed at a worksite are compliant with the OHSA guidelines.

5. Attach Only to Secure Anchor Points

When working at tall heights, harnesses and personal safety equipment should be secured to an appropriate anchor point. However, not just anything will work as an anchor.

For an anchor point to work, it needs to be able to hold and withstand the weight of a fall. It is recommended anchor points are tested by engineers to hold the needed weight or that they’re able to handle a 5,000-pound load.

Prepare Your Worksite Today

Contact us for expert and friendly help with fall protection equipment, training, and resources for working at height. We can help you incorporate these essential safety tips into your workplace culture and worksites and we can provide high-quality equipment and supplies.

With the necessary precautions, you can reduce accidents and meet all state and national safety requirements. There’s nothing more important than keeping your worksite and staff safe, secure, and healthy, ensuring your business can thrive and grow.