Working at Height

What is Working at Height?

Working at height is any activity which takes place at a level or position that is higher than standing on ground level, for example working on scaffolding, ladders, or from an elevated platform.

Working at height can involve any work activity that poses an increased risk of personal injury through a fall from height, such as maintenance, repairs, construction, installation, and cleaning.

Falling from height can cause fatal or serious injury, therefore, it is important to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of those working at height.

Workplace Fatalities

Today, Working at Height remains one of the leading causes of fatalities in Ireland each year.

According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) of Ireland, between the years 2014 and 2018 there were a total of 70 fatalities associated with working at height.

The annual fatality rate has decreased over this period due to a heightened awareness of these statistics & the focus on safety training.

However, the risk of life-threatening incidents remains present for anyone working at height in Ireland.

The HSA has undertaken a number of campaigns which promote the importance of Working at Height safety, and they continue to strive to improve safety measures and practices in Ireland.

· Falling from height (9 fatalities) has been reported as one of the leading causes of work-related fatalities in 2022

· There have been four fatalities recorded so far this year related to working at height on Irish construction sites

RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk assessment should include a careful examination of what harm could be caused from working at height with an effective plan to eliminate serious harm or risk. Either through avoiding the activity or, by carrying it out in a safe manner using work equipment that is appropriate to the task and the level of risk.

Employers Responsibility

When working at height, employers must ensure that there are suitable and sufficient safety measures in place to prevent employees from falling. This includes providing safety harnesses, ladders, safety rails, and other appropriate measures to ensure safe access. Any activity carried out at height should be risk assessed, and protective equipment, such as PPE, hard hats, should be supplied.

Employers must always ensure that all employees should have received proper training in fall protection before commencing any work at height.

Working at Height Safety checklist:

• Work at height must be planned and organised
• A risk assessment must be carried out
• Appropriate work equipment used
• Competency of worker
• Equipment used is properly inspected and maintained

The HSA has issued several guidelines and safety protocols for employers and employees to ensure safe working at height practices.

To reduce the rate of fatalities associated with Working at Height in Ireland, it is important to focus on both educating employers on their duty of care and improving safety protocols and equipment.

Be Smart, Be Safe