Top 10 Safety Tips for Working at Height

It's safe to say that some sectors and occupations are more dangerous than others. Safety hazards and unsafe working conditions can lead to illness, injury, or even death, which is why every employer needs to take a step back and determine how to eliminate potential risks. If your employees work at heights almost every day, it's vital to stay focused on their safety and provide equipment that will reduce the risk of falls and similar injuries.

In hazardous working environments, one mistake is more than enough to put your employees at risk. That's why both employers and workers should learn how to handle risks and prevent accidents in the workplace. Your job is to recognize and remove potential hazards, but you also have to provide adequate training and safety equipment. Here are the top 10 safety tips you need to consider before you can allow your employees to work at heights.

Use railing

Protective barriers can be useful when your employees have to work on roofs or in a similar working environment. The best thing about railings is that they're a form of passive protection, which means that your workers only have to stay within the rails to stay safe. Use rails whenever possible because they're the cheapest form of protection. There are various types of barriers, and even your carpenter can make them with discarded wood pallets.

Perform a job safety analysis

A job safety analysis can help you eliminate potential risks in your workplace. This procedure will help you identify hazards and develop safety procedures that will allow your employees to avoid life-threatening emergencies. A job safety analysis can prevent hazardous conditions and improve your communication with employees, but it can also enhance your health and safety culture.

Establish a plan

When dealing with safety hazards, it's vital to establish a plan that has the potential to protect your workers. This plan can help you control all risks and reduce injuries in your workplace. Before you allow your employees to work, it's vital to plan and organize every aspect of their job because that's one of the best ways to prevent injuries.

Inform your employees

Your employees must be familiar with safety precautions. Talk to them about your hazard control plans and establish new rules and boundaries that should minimize the risk of injuries. Your workers need to know how to perform their job and stay safe at the same time.

Select the proper PPE

Every employee should wear and have access to personal safety equipment. PPE can minimize exposure to hazards and help your workers reduce workplace accidents. It's vital to do research and determine what you really need before you invest in new equipment. Even if some types of PPE are expensive, they can help you save lives and improve your safety standards.

Inspect your equipment before you allow your workers to use it

It's critical to inspect your equipment before you put it to use. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and learn how to store all equipment properly. Inspection and maintenance are vital, but you also need to teach your employees how to use and store their personal protection equipment.

Ensure proper use of lifts

Safe lifting operations are vital for your business. There are some safety tips you need to consider before allowing your employees to operate lifts. These safety tips can prevent damage and accidents. It's advisable to hire trained lift operators and remember that every person working in a lift must be properly tied-off.

Use ladders properly

Climbing a ladder at home is not the same as performing the same activity at work. Teach your employees to use extension ladders because they can be very dangerous. Ladders can be used for work at heights, but your employees need to know that climbing ladders often leads to fatal accidents.

Invest in proper training

Work at heights training should be mandatory because it teaches your employees how to handle the new equipment. It gives your employees the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience before you allow them to work at heights, but it also teaches them how to prevent falls and minimize common workplace risks.

Establish a culture of safety

Establishing a health and safety culture can boost productivity in the workplace and reduce hazards. Document everything and use that information to discuss hazards, update your safety equipment and prevent risky behaviours in the future. Developing a strong safety culture can improve organizational performance, but it will also affect accident reduction.

Conclusion

Working at heights and feeling safe while performing your job requires training and proper preparation. Make sure you provide training and PPE for your employees and encourage them to discuss safety issues. It's impossible to eliminate accidents in a hazardous workplace, but you have to do your best to reduce them and make your employees feel safe.