Safe working at height

Safe working at height

Ladder safety

Working at Height – Ladder Safety Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK, accounting for 36% of all work-related deaths in 2023/24, with 50 workers losing their lives.

• Ladders are a major contributor to these incidents, with an average of over 5000 ladder-related injuries reported annually.
• Common causes include overreaching, poor ladder positioning, and failure to maintain three points of contact.
• To reduce these risks, always select the right ladder for the task, inspect it before use, position it correctly (following the 4:1 rule), and maintain three points of contact at all times.
• Proper training and adherence to the Work at Height Regulations 2005 are essential for preventing serious injuries and fatalities.

What is working at height?

Work at height is work in any place, including a place at, above or below ground level, where a person could be injured if they fell from that place. Access and egress to a place of work can also be work at height.Examples of work activities that are classified as working at height include :

• working on a flat roof
• working from a ladder
• working at ground level adjacent to an open excavation

Why do we need to control work at height?

Falls from height continue to be the biggest overall cause of death in the workplace, with 40 people killed during the year. With @ 44000 injuries a year = 120 every day

Why We Must Control Work At Height

Falls from 2m+ result in significant life changing injuries and fatalities Typically, the following equipment is associated with falls …..

• Ladders: 40%
• Vehicles/FLTs: 17%
• Machinery/plant: 10%
• Platforms: 10%
• Stairs: 8%
• Roof/false ceiling: 7%
• Scaffold/gantry: 4%
• Warehouse racking: 4%

are features on the site that mean a ladder must be used.

Using Ladders Safely

When can ladders be used ?

• Ladders can be used if after assessing the risks the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and short duration.

• Short duration is taken to be between 15 and 30 minutes depending upon the task.

• Ladders can also be used for low-risk work where there are features on the site that mean a ladder must be used.

• Working at height MUST be planned

• Access equipment MUST be checked / Inspected

• Access equipment MUST be secured

• The work area MUST be made safe

Step ladders - Before Use

Before you use a stepladder, first ask yourself:

• am I fit to work at height?

A stepladder in good condition has:

• Feet firmly attached
• Clean treads
• Secure locking devices
• Secure fastenings when it is extended

A stepladder in a good position:

• Is fully open
• Is locked into place
• Will not move at the bottom.

Stands on a surface that is:

• firm
• level
• clear
• dry
• not slippery

Step ladders – Safe Use

• Only work on a stepladder for a maximum of 15 - 30 minutes at a time
• Only carry light materials and tools (up to 10 kg)
• Do not work from the top 2 rungs
• Do not overreach – make sure your belt buckle (navel) stays within the stiles.
• Avoid side-on working
• Keep both feet on the same rung or step throughout the task
• Make sure you have a safe handhold available on the steps
• Always descend backwards

Safe work at height - Video

Company documents

• The company has a selection of documents associated with working at height & ladder safety
• HS-MISC-012 - Ladder guide
• HS-MISC-014 - Ladder checklist
• HSP-LENG-017 - Hooked ladders
• HSP-OPS-004 - Ladder safety
• TBT007 - Safe use of ladders
• HS-MISC-063 - Working at height identification
• RA/LG/01 - Bulk tanker - working at height
• RA/MT/03 - Working at height - Platforms
• RA/MT/07 - Working at height - Scaffolding
• TRP:HS:WH - Work at height

Summary

• Where possible – avoid work at height – use a selfie stick / drone / tool extensions etc
• If it cant be avoided - plan the work, carry out a risk / dynamic assessment
• Ladders & steps can be used for short duration work
• Inspect the ladder prior to use, to ensure its suitable & safe, do NOT use a damaged ladder
• Make sure the ladder is secure (footed or tied)
• Ensure the work area is safe / protected
• Maintain 3 points of contact, do not work from the top 2 rungs

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