Working at heights is a risky profession. Many safety precautions can be taken to ensure the safest work environment possible, but there is no guarantee that accidents won’t happen. That’s why it’s crucial to have an emergency plan in place for every job – just in case. In addition, you can enroll your staff for the RIIWHS204E working at heights course to equip them with the necessary safety skills.
Below are some tips on how you can stay safe when working at heights:
Do Not Work Alone
When working at height, always have someone to watch you and help should something go wrong. The colleague can notice any risks and hazards and can assist. They can also act as a witness should an accident or incident occur.
Having someone with you is not only advantageous if something goes wrong – it can also make your work more effective and save time by streamlining the process. For example, they could take photos of any defects that need to be fixed or capture video footage for auditing purposes.
Avoid Distractions
Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when climbing ladders or working near power lines. You never know what could cause a distraction that causes you to lose balance and fall off the ladder.
It is vital to be attentive and avoid losing focus when working at heights. If you are working around power lines, this is even more important.
Wear a Safety Harness With an Attached Lanyard
Because of the possibility of falling, always use attached lanyards or other safety equipment to prevent accidents. You also need to make sure that the harness fits properly. Otherwise, it will not protect you. In addition, put on your work gloves to prevent rope burns. Also, have your helmet on at all times since it will protect your head from any falling objects.
Make Sure You Have Proper Equipment for the Job
It is vital to make sure you have all the necessary equipment before starting a job. Having the proper tools for the task will ensure that it gets done safely and quickly.For example, if you need to work with an air hammer or pneumatic drill, then, of course, you would not want just your bare hands holding on to such sharp tools. You would like to have work gloves on at all times while working with tools.
Also, when you are done using the rope, coil it up and store it neatly in a storage bag or bucket until your next task uses ropes. This will prevent any tangling of the cords, leading to injuries if caught underneath them during their use.
Working at heights can be very dangerous if precautions are not taken before and after the job is completed. It’s important to always prepare for a task beforehand; ensure you have all of your tools with you and on hand while working onsite.
