Safety Tips for Working at Heights

Working at heights far above the ground can be dizzying, but for an experienced window washer, roofer, or construction worker, the entire ordeal is part of a day’s work.

Regardless of expertise, employees working at heights are always at risk of debilitating injury and in some cases, death. According to the World Health Organization, unintentional falls rank as the second highest cause of accidental fatalities, with the number around 646,000 people annually worldwide.

 

The need to implement effective safety practices for workers at heights cannot be overstated. Here, we share a few tips to ensure the safety of people working high above the ground.

Plan Appropriately

The first step is to develop a safety plan beforehand in which all upcoming work should be scrutinized for potential risks. Factors such as the amount of time required to work at height, distance from the ground, and weather conditions should all be taken into account.

Businesses must attempt to seek alternate ways of performing duties without having their employees suspended in the air for long periods of time. If there are no other options, then it is paramount to allow only the most extensively trained and experienced employees to handle the job and ensure the task is supervised from beginning to end.

Thoroughly inspecting the working area is crucial to ensure there are no trip hazards or unsafe spots putting employees at risk. While performing the task, workers should be able to freely stretch their limbs and have safety gear properly attached to their bodies. Also, an emergency and rescue plan should be in place in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Utilize Railing

Railing systems are the simplest and easiest way of ensuring the safety of your employees as well as adhering to compliance standards. They’re numerous types of railing systems, depending on the nature of the job, with pre-fabricated railings being portable or affixed based on your requirements.

Always Work with a Partner

 

Working at heights is dangerous, and operating alone further increases the risks. If something goes wrong, another person will be needed to steady the ladder, pull up the suspended worker back to safety or at the very least, call for help. Workers on the job should feel comfortable working with each other and know who to contact for assistance.

Be Educated

Each employee should undergo routine safety and training sessions to know how to properly use equipment and handle an emergency. Mentorship programs are an effective way of having newer employees gain practical experience by being paired with older, more experienced workers. Safety inspection of equipment is not just useful for adhering to compliance, but can end up saving someone’s life.

When it comes to lifting and moving heavy loads, only the best equipment can ensure maximum security standards. Hovair Systems Inc. helps businesses with moving heavy loads while minimizing the risk of damages to both your employees and equipment. Contact them for more information.