Working at height is a major risk in any industry, but it is a normal part of the job for many of us. To prevent accidents and support No Falls Week, workplaces must focus on two vital things: completing pre-use equipment checks, and controlling access with a strict Permit to Work system.
1. Assess the Risks Before You Start
Before undertaking any work at height, a thorough assessment of health and safety risks must be carried out. Always try to follow this approach:
- Avoid the danger: Can the work be done at ground level using extendable equipment?
- Prevent a fall: Eliminate the risks with the use of fall prevention systems.
- Reduce the fall distance: Minimise injury by using collective protection like safety nets or air bags.
- Protect the workers: Wear suitable PPE, such as a safety helmet with a chin strap and tool tethers.
2. Essential Pre-Use Checks
Before anyone starts work, they need to inspect their equipment. This includes ladders, step ladders, safety harnesses, lanyards, PPE, and MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms).
- Ladders and Step Ladders: Look for broken rungs and loose parts. Place them on flat, solid ground, and always secure ladders to an anchor point or safe structure.
- Harnesses and Lanyards: Check straps for wear and tear, and ensure they are not heavily soiled. Make sure buckles work and the harness fits properly. Always verify the lanyard is the correct length for the task.
- MEWPs: Test the controls before lifting. Check the tyre pressure and look for obvious external damage.
Using a dedicated checklist ensures nobody forgets these basic steps and creates a reliable paper trail.
3. When to Use a Permit to Work
High-risk tasks require a formal written record that proves you have assessed the risks.
- Risk Assessment: Always assess the specific working at height risks before starting the job.
- Safe System of Work: Ensure the team understands exactly how the task should be performed to reduce or eliminate risk.
- Record It: Document what the job is, the hazards involved, and exactly how you will stay safe.
4. Managing the Permit System
Once a permit is drafted, it must be properly managed to keep everyone safe.
- Authorisation: Only trained and competent people should sign off and issue a permit.
- Communication: Make sure everyone on site understands what the permit says and the limits of the work.
- Organisation: Use a proper Permit to Work book to make this process easy to follow and keep paperwork in one place.
Supporting No Falls Week in Your Workplace
Nobody should get hurt doing their job. If you focus on daily pre-use checks and clear permit procedures, your workplace will be much safer.
No Falls Week is the perfect excuse to audit your own safety processes.
If you need straightforward safety checklists or Permit to Work books to help your team get it right, explore the Working at Height collection from SG World.
*No Falls Week is a national campaign ran by The No Falls Foundation and is dedicated to promoting safe working at height in the UK, find out more here.