Working at heights is one of the causes of many workplace accidents in Canada and in countries around the world. Yet these accidents can be controlled! If you are concerned about Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and want to achieve a “zero accident” goal, here are some important tips for working at heights.
Are you considering training yourself or your workers to manage the risks associated with working at heights? Turn to Global Formation. Our company will offer you customized content in this area, but also other programs that relate to OSH.
When to talk about risks related to working at heights
Working at heights can mainly be risky in that it can cause the worker to fall. Although sometimes considered rare, these accidents can be fatal. It is therefore important to take them into account and look for ways to control them. To do this, let’s first look at how falls can occur.
- The use of means of access to areas at height such as ladders, walkways, and even stairs.
- By working on the terrace of a building, on roofs or even from the frames, etc.
- By performing tasks from pylons.
- By working on a tanker truck or other stopped vehicle.
- Sometimes from scaffolding, harnesses, etc.
The aforementioned areas and devices can present risks when workers have not been properly trained for the activities performed. Also, they can be caused by improper use or even lack of maintenance of equipment. Accidents can also result from cluttered and poorly lit workplaces. Since these tasks are essential to the activities of many companies and sometimes even in our homes, it is impossible to stop doing them. However, it is crucial to take steps to avoid all possible risks.
What work sites and sectors are affected by these risks?
It is undeniable that the sector most affected by the risks of falling from heights is certainly the construction sector! However, all other sectors can be affected insofar as they can all be exposed to work requiring the use of a ladder or scaffolding, for example. This is the case for other sectors such as mining and manufacturing. So whether we are electrical network agents, maintenance technicians or others, we all have to take precautions!
As far as the most affected work sites are concerned, here are some examples:
- work that involves the cleaning of glass facades
- tasks performed on roofs and mainly when the materials are considered fragile
- work carried out on bridges, poles, or pylons
- the openings of downspouts or wells
- activities related to tanks and basins
- the corbelled floors, etc.
It is also important to note that workers are not the only ones responsible for falling from height. Managers, too, must play an important role in contributing to a safe and healthy workplace!
What steps can be taken to avoid these risks?
How can we build on better workplace health and safety? What measures can be taken to avoid or even eliminate accidents related to working at height?
- Study all possible risks in the workplace that may expose workers to danger
- Assess the level of risk for groups of workers in order to tailor the measures taken
- Clearly inform employees: communicate risks and instructions for the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as other devices needed for the activities
- Train workers so that they can properly use equipment and perform their jobs safely
- Maintain adequately and regularly equipment such as scaffolding, ladders and harnesses
- Frequently monitor compliance with instructions and inspect the condition of equipment and machinery
- Make sure there is sufficient lighting.
Taking these precautions into account is important since they allow to protect workers individually and thus avoid accidents, but also work stoppages, often harmful to the company. In addition, it allows company managers to comply with the legislative aspects related to OHS and avoid problems during inspections.
What training to manage these risks?
As mentioned earlier, worker training is among the most important precautions to contribute to Occupational Health and Safety and avoid falls. It can be short or long depending on the company’s goals and expectations. The program, in fact, can be divided into several aspects such as the use of PPE or the use of safety harnesses. Have you ever thought about hiring a Occupational Health and Safety training company?
Global Formation, located in Canada puts online training programs for mining and manufacturing workers. This is indeed a sector where working at height is quite common! Aware of these events and the risks associated with these activities, we offer training content created by experienced professionals. It is also worth noting that training related to working at heights is just one module of the programs related to OHS.
Global Formation offers a multitude of additional modules tailored to your company’s needs. Through our platform PAELO app, you can easily access training anytime and from anywhere.
Would you like to try it, then please contact us!