Working Safely at Height

Guidance for University Staff who may work at height with specific reference to the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

What is working at height?

If a fall at work from any distance could cause an injury then the work comes under the Regulations. This could be a fall at or below ground level and includes things falling from heights. Falls from vehicles are only covered when the vehicle involved is used for access such as mobile elevating working platforms (MEWPS).

The Regulations, do not include fixed staircases in buildings but do include fixed ladders.

University staff work from ladders, scaffolds of varying sorts, and EM staff use mobile elevated working platforms (MEWPS) and frequently work on roofs.

Work at Height is a 'high risk' activity

Risk assessment is a requirement of the new Regulation, as is proper management of the task.

On average 74 people are killed and 4,500 seriously injured annually in falls from height in non-domestic accidents.

Your Department, institution or division must:

• Identify any hazards and assess the risk
• Remove or reduce the risk if at all possible
• Provide safe systems of work and safe equipment
• Provide adequate PPE for the task
• Provide adequate training

You need to:

• Understand the dangers inherent in the task
• Follow all safety rules
• Use any PPE provided
• Take reasonable care for yourself and any others who may be affected by your work

Falls from height can cause:

• Pain, suffering and stress
• Disability
• Loss of income and/or job security
• Reduced quality of life
• Death

What causes falls from height?

• Lack of training or experience
• Carelessness or overconfidence
• Fooling around
• Working when tired or angry
• Sickness/unfitness to do the job
• Failing to check equipment properly
• Changes in weather conditions
• Equipment failures

What you can do to eliminate falling accidents?

• Know your limitations
• Know your equipment
• Check any hazards
• Plan the work
• Follow all safety procedures

How to control work at height risks (Work at Height hierarchy):

• Avoid work at height if possible.
• Prevent falls if work at height cannot be avoided.
• Mitigate any effects of a fall.
• Most importantly know what to do should an accident occur.

Training

Training on working at height and the safe use of ladders and stepladders is available from the Safety Office and can be booked here. Refresher training is available here.