The Work at Height Regulations are in place to protect staff and others against risks to their health and safety whilst working at height. Work at height, is work in any place, including a place below ground level where a person could be injured if they fell from that place.
It is the aim of Leuchie to ensure that staff and volunteers do not work at height where it can be avoided. Where this is not possible a suitable and sufficient risk assessment will be undertaken and a safe system of work developed. Any work at height needs to be pre planned and assessed prior to any work taking place. The risks from the work must then be appropriately controlled, and the work supervised. Careful consideration must be given to the selection and use of work equipment.
Work at height can range from routine use of a stepladder to larger ladders up to work on roof tops. Departments responsible for developing work at height related guidance or procedures (e.g., Facilities) must ensure that they comply with the overreaching Work at height Policy.
Training
Line managers must ensure that any staff involved in work at height must be competent to do so. They must receive suitable instruction, training and supervision. Any records to show attendance at training should be kept on the employee’s file.
Managers and line manager’s responsibilities
- Ensuring that every effort is made to avoid work at height.
- Ensuring that where work at height cannot be avoided a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is carried out.
- Consult with those who will potentially be carrying out the work.
- Providing controls following the assessment this would include work equipment or other measures to prevent falls.
- Ensuring all equipment used to carry out work at height has been inspected and regularly maintained.
- Ensure emergency and rescue procedures are in place.
- Ensuring that all staff involved in the work are aware of this policy, risk assessments and any related procedures.
- Ensuring all staff that are going to work at height are fit to do so.
- Ensuring all contractors, they invite on to the premises are competent to work at height and are appropriately managed.
Employees are responsible for –
- Assisting with risk assessments.
- Complying with control measures developed following the assessment of risks.
- Using any safety equipment supplied.
- Attending training and only carrying out tasks they have been trained to do.
- Reporting to their line manager any defects to safety equipment.
- Reporting any activity which could endanger safety.
- Reporting any accident, incidents or near misses.
When carrying out a risk assessment all foreseeable risks and hazards must be considered prior to any work being carried out. Remember to take in to account weather conditions, fragile surfaces, falling objects and the workers capabilities.