The sixth installment of Frick & Frack's Fundamental for Fatality Elimination focuses on the leading cause of fatality and injury in the construction industry: working at heights.
Tips for Working at Heights
You don't have to be atop a skyscraper to work at heights. Working at heights is defined for the general industry as anything over four feet off the ground. For the construction industry, greater than six feet is working from heights. If you've ever had a job, you've probably had to work at heights, too. With it being so common, it's no wonder it's a leading cause of injury.
If you do have to work at heights, follow these procedures to be sure everyone on the job site is safe.
- Carry out risk assessment at your location for all work at heights.
- Collective measures and fall protection must be provided in all cases of working at heights.
- Specific training must be given to all employees specific to working at heights.
Try to Avoid Working from Heights
Always plan ahead to get the job done safely. It may be possible to engineer the job so that working at heights is not necessary, or can be safely done from a manlift. You should only use a ladder when it is not possible to use any other means of access. A ladder should only be used for short periods, always ensure 3 points of contact.
More From Frick & Frack
Thanks for joining us again this month! Looking for more safety tips? You can find our past episodes right here!
Tune in next month for the next Fundamental for Fatality Elimination, Lifting Operations. Be sure to subscribe to our Safety Video Blog email notification list so you don’t miss it!
