Work at height is the most common practise on different industries such as maintenance, construction, manufacturing etc. Work at height poses significant risks that makes it crucial safety aspect and specifically a dangerous hazard at a workplace. In this blog post, I will give you a comprehensive guide about work at height, its definition, risks, regulations and best practices.
Work At Height
Work at Height is a term that refers to every activity or a task carried out at a specific height where there is a risk of falling. Every year, countless workers suffer injuries or fatalities due to falls from height.50 fatal injuries occurred due to falls from height, accounting for 36% of all worker deaths.
Definition of Work At Height:
Work at height is generally considered to be any work carried out above a fixed height, typically 2 meters (6 feet 6 inches). However, this can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the regulations in place. Even a short fall can result in severe injuries of the worker, therefore it's crucial to treat all work at height with the comprehensive and effective cautions.
Example's of Work At Height:
- Working on a ladder or stepladder.
- Using scaffolding.
- Working on roofs.
- Working in or near an opening in a floor or wall.
- Working on a slope roof.
- Roofing and gutter cleaning.
- Ladder work (e.g., changing light bulbs).
- Aerial lift operations (e.g., cherry pickers, scissor lifts).
- Tower crane operations.
- High-rise window cleaning.
- Painting and decorating at height.
- Construction work on multi-story buildings.
- Telecommunications tower maintenance.
- Bridge inspection and maintenance.
- Tree trimming and pruning at height.
- Power line maintenance.
- Wind turbine maintenance.
- Roof repairs and maintenance.
- Installation of solar panels on rooftops.
Common Causes of Accident during Work at height:
- Slippery or wobbly surfaces that may cause slips and falls during or after certain weather conditions
- Incorrect use of stairs or stairs that are not in good working order
- Workers who may exceed limits while working at height
- Fragile surfaces, such as roofs, that can fail if too much load is placed on them
- Breakdown of tools and equipment, such as MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms)
- Losing balance in an elevated position
- Unprotected edges, such as the lack of handrails in hallways
- Insufficient or absent PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- Poor lighting or visibility
- Weather conditions (e.g., strong winds, rain, snow)
- Inadequate training or experience
- Overreaching or overstretching
- Using damaged or worn-out equipment
- Failure to follow safety protocols or procedures
- Inadequate supervision or monitoring
- Poor communication or coordination among workers
- Inadequate maintenance of equipment or structures
- Using incorrect or inappropriate equipment for the task
- Overloading or exceeding weight limits
- Failure to conduct regular risk assessments or inspections
Best Practices to make work at height safer:
FAQ's about Work at Height:
Which Equipment's are used for working at height?
Which minimum height is considered to be dangerous?
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States: 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- European Union: 2 meters (6.6 feet)
- Australia: 2 meters (6.6 feet)
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman): 2 meters (6.6 feet)
