Safety While Working at Height

What is Working at Height?

Working at height is the performance of any type of work at an elevated position where the worker is at risk of falling and getting injured as a result of insufficient or non-existing safety precautions. Different countries have their own definitions and rules for what they consider as working at height but they all agree that working at height is one of the leading causes of occupational injury and fatality across industries.

In this blog, we will delve into what is working at height, what are the risks, and how to do it safety in your workplace.

A Major Cause of Injuries and Fatalities in the Workplace

Working at height is one of the most dangerous types of work and is recognized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. Due to the inherent risks brought by working at height, countries have established their own guidelines for what they consider to be working at height. In general, a height of 4 feet is considered the minimum threshold for working at height.

Activities that are Considered Working at Height

With the variation in local regulations in mind, here are some examples of activities or jobs that involve working at height:

Work with the use of ladders
Work that involves scaffolding
Roof work and activities on fragile surfaces
Activities near an excavation or trench
Jobs that require being on scissor lifts
Work at an elevation that requires use of PPE such as an harness

Common Causes of Accidents When Working at Height

Here are some of the causes of accidents when working at height:

Incorrect use of ladders or ladders that may not be in good working order
Slippery or wobbly surface that may cause slips and falls
Workers who may be over-reaching while working at height
Fragile surfaces such as roofs that may fail if there’s too much load
Failure of tools and equipment such as MEWPs
Losing balance while at an elevated position
Unprotected edges such as lack of handrails along walkways
Insufficient or absence of Personal Protection Equipment

How to Make Working at Height Safer?

The first line of defense against risks of working at height is to determine what those risks are and come up with safety measures to protect the workers against such risks.

Conduct a risk assessment to know what risks are involved not only with working at height but also with the job to be done.
Once the risks have been assessed, implement the control measures whether they be engineering controls, administrative controls, reinforcing the use of proper PPE, or eliminating sources of risks.
Conduct toolbox talks with dedicated toolbox talk templates at the start of every job which involves working at height, to highlight safety.
Empower employees with training courses for working at heights in order for them to be competent when it comes to performing the job.
Proactively conduct safety inspections to reinforce safe practices and to catch risks. The information gathered during inspections can be used to improve the safety of working at height.

Physical Hazards

Physical hazards that can cause burns, eye damage, cuts, and crushed toes and fingers are ever-present when welding. With the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other safety measure, you can protect your workers against physical hazards.

Electric Shock

Electrocution is the most immediate and serious risk for a welder. The sudden discharge of electricity to the human body can cause serious injury and even death. Electrocution risk from welding can be minimized through basic safety precautions.

Fire and Explosion

Flammable materials around the working area are the number one cause of a fire. This can be prevented by maintaining a clean working area before proceeding to weld and following other safety measures. It is also important to know the location of fire alarms, emergency exits, and fire extinguishers in the event of a fire.

Precautions and Tips

Safety precautions in welding are action steps welders can do to prevent metal working and welding related incidents or injuries such as burns, eye injuries, and other skin injuries and even deaths due to explosions, electrocutions, and asphyxiation. In order to eliminate or reduce the most common welding hazards, welders should practice the following safety precautions and tips accordingly:

Conclusion

Safeguard your workers by having them undergo working at heights training. Every year, workers can get seriously injured or die due to construction, manufacturing, and maintenance-related falls and hazards. Prioritizing safety not only reduces the risk of injuries and accidents but also ensures the longevity and success of your projects.

As safety should be the prime concern of all industries, it can benefit from online safety training and safety engagement ideas to provide a safe workplace environment to the employees.

Do you need a reliable partner for your safety needs?

With over 15 years of relentless commitment to excellence, NICO Marine has established itself as a reliable supplier of quality products to the marine and offshore oil & gas industries. Our HSE professionals have years of experience in workplace safety and will be happy to assist you in making the right decision.

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