Working at Heights

20 September 2024

Working at heights is working in a place where a person could be injured by falling from it. This is possible even if it is at or below ground level.

Examples of Working at Heights

Examples of working at height include:

Using a ladder, kick stool or step ladder in a storeroom or store cupboard.
Using trestles or ladders to paint or clean.
Changing light bulbs or ceiling tiles in an office.
working on the back of a lorry to cover a load.
Working close to an open excavation or cellar trap door.

Management of Working at Heights

Work must be planned to ensure that a safe means of access to all work areas is provided. In addition, all equipment must be provided and maintained to the required legal and other relevant standards. In general, this means that all equipment used must be checked to ensure that it is in good order, to correct specification, and in date for inspection. Furthermore, work must be monitored to ensure that additional precautions and equipment are taken into use if edge protection is removed.

Control Measures for Working at Heights

All working at heights control measures should be based on the hierarchy system:

Elimination, which is the highest level of control.
Reducing the risk, such as substituting the hazards with something safer. In addition, reduction of the risk can be achieved by isolation where isolation means isolating people from the potential hazard. Finally, we can implement engineering controls. For example, the use of machinery and/or devices to limit the hazard.
Administrative controls. These control measures use administrative actions to minimise exposure to hazards and to reduce the level of potential harm (e.g. signage).
Personal Protective Equipment. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect people from harm is considered the least effective control measure due to its reliance on human behaviour and the suitability and condition of the PPE itself.

Basic Notions of Working at Heights Control Measures

Suitable signs and barriers must be positioned directly below works to warn of overhead operations. Where there is a danger of fall, edge protection must be erected. However, where edge protection is removed for access, or is not reasonably practicable, fall arrest or restraint system must be used. For example, this system must be used by all operatives working at or near the edge even if the works to be performed are of very short duration.

In case where there is likely to be debris falling; fans, chutes or full enclosures must be used to protect third parties. In addition, all operatives working below operations must wear safety helmets. That is to say, all operatives working level below operations should be wearing helmets as no one should work directly below overhead works.

Training Needs

Training and instruction must be provided to all operatives and supervisory staff involved in the use of fall arrest or restraint equipment such as lines and harnesses. This training should include how to inspect and assess PPE of this type before use.

Working at heights, is part of a range of preventative measures that should be taken to prevent injuries at work. This is why eLearn Safety has developed a fully online Working at Heights course. All employers and employees working at a height who may be using hop-ups, ladders, scaffolding or MEWP to gain access to heights can benefit from the course.

In addition, the HSA has published a range of briefing notes on the Working at Heights regulations. This information can be accessed via their web page titled Working at Heights.

Some additional reading is available in our blog entry about working at heights from 15th September 2023.

Online Health and Safety Training

Proactive Health and Safety training is critical to ensure a safe workplace. An effective training program can reduce the number of worker injuries and deaths. It can also reduce instances of property damage, legal liability, illnesses, and missed time from work.

Health and Safety training helps establish a culture in which employees themselves help promote proper safety procedures while on the job. It is important that new employees be properly trained and embrace the importance of workplace safety. The role of training in developing and maintaining effective hazard control activities is a proven and successful method of intervention.

This is why we have established eLearn Safety school. We pride ourselves in how we guide, support and mentor our students. They receive support throughout their learning experience and into their working lives. Our staff have extensive training experience and also have many years industry experience. We understand the challenges that exist within Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. Our priority is to ensure that all learners are fully prepared to differentiate themselves in the workplace after completing our Health and Safety courses.

eLearn Safety offers fully online Health and Safety courses.

To find out more, please check our Courses page.

Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie

eLearn Safety – Online Health and Safety Training