Working safely from heights involves more than simply obtaining a specific piece of equipment. Although fall restraint systems and other assets are often necessary components of a height safety plan, businesses shouldn’t neglect routines that establish secure environments.
In this article, we’ll detail three best practices that help companies develop safe working situations when employees are conducting tasks at heights.
Workers may be able to conduct some tasks on the ground.
1. Figure out how to remove the hazard
Non-profit organisation Site Safe noted that workers and their employers must first determine whether a particular hazard could be removed entirely.
For instance, when constructing a home, there may be some components that personnel may be able to assemble on the ground. Once completed, they can use harnesses or other equipment to elevate those parts to sections higher up in the structure. The less time staff members have to spend in the air, the lower the risk of a fall occurring.
2. Assess the working conditions
Looking in a catalogue of height safety assets and selecting them at random isn’t good practice. Although a harness or arrest system may be helpful in one situation, they may not be as effective as other solutions in specific instances.
The New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment asserted that employers and other stakeholders should note site conditions before choosing and implementing equipment. Features business owners should be aware of include unstable ground, slopes, the possible distances of a hypothetical fall and other characteristics.
Checking harnesses and other equipment for defects can reduce fall risks.
Personnel should scrutinise everything from guardrails and walkway solutions to harnesses and ladder supports to ensure they’ll be able to sustain various stresses.
3. Inspect safety systems
When inspecting harnesses, for example, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration advised readers to assess belts for any broken fibres, frayed edges, loose stitches or chemical damage.
Such defects could mean that the harnesses are unsafe to use, and should be replaced by more robust alternatives.
Some equipment may come with instruction manuals that detail what to look for, so be sure to read these items before putting assets into use.
Overall, companies should regard height safety as a solution instead of a collection of equipment. To learn more, don’t hesitate to call Anchor Safe Systems today.
