Working at height is one of the biggest causes of injuries and fatalities in the workplace, especially on construction sites, so it’s vital that employees take health and safety seriously when carrying out activities that require working at height.
Indeed, anyone working at height is legally bound to follow the rules as set out by the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Here’s what responsibilities employees must take on board when working at height.
Correct Use of Equipment
One of the key employee safety responsibilities when working at height is to make sure the right kind of equipment is used, where necessary, and that it is in good working order. Employees should check before equipment is used that there are no problems with it, such as damage or loose or worn components.
Managing Unsafe Equipment
Where unsafe equipment has been identified, this should be clearly separated from other equipment that is safe to use, so there is no mix-up. Unsafe equipment should be taken out of action until it has been fixed or replaced, and it is the responsibility of employees to make sure everyone is aware of which equipment can, or can’t, be used.
Safe and Protected
As part of employee safety regulations, it’s essential that workers are provided with the correct safety equipment, or PPE, so they can do their jobs while limiting the risk of danger or harm. It’s essential that employees wear their safety equipment, and continually assess whether the environment is safe to work in. For example, bad weather could make working at height more dangerous, so employees should be responsible for making sure they don’t put themselves or their colleagues at risk by working in unsuitable conditions.
The Importance of Training
Without a doubt, one of the biggest responsibilities employers and their managers have is to ensure all workers are fully trained in all aspects of the job when working at height, especially with regards to the use of construction site equipment. Being inadequately trained could result in injuries or death.
Training should also be ongoing and not a one-off affair, as quite often techniques and equipment can change, so it’s essential that all workers are up to date with all aspects of equipment usage and safety procedures.
If you’re seeking safe, effective and dependable work at height solutions, get in touch with the professionals at Ability International to discuss your individual requirements.
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