Working at height training

Keeping you and your staff safe when working at a height

In 2005 there were 46 fatalities from falls from heights at work in the UK, and around 3350 major injuries. These numbers needed to be reduced significantly and with correct training and regulations, these statistics should decline.

As part of the regulation, you must ensure you:

• Plan and organise the work
• Ensure the work area is tidy
• Ensure staff are safe and competent
• The risks of working at heights are assessed prior to starting work
• Equipment for working at height is inspected and maintained.

The duty of care is on the manager or team leader to ensure the safety of their staff. Ensure everyone has been briefed and carried out training if necessary. Working at heights accounts for 40% of all work related accidents and with a little care and training, these accidents can be avoided.

To help prevent accidents when working at heights you can:

• Use hand rails where applicable to offer stability and grip.
• Use Ladder feet which offer more stability and grip to the ladders.
• Use a safety base which offers an anti-slip footing on sloping or flat ground.

There are many courses available to ensure you are competent when working at heights, the courses are developed by trained professionals, working in line with the HSE “Work at Height Regulations”.

The courses are a recognised qualification and could save lives. They go through the risks and controls of working at heights, show you how to avoid the risks and asses the risks around you. Everything you learn will enable you to identify a problem before it occurs. If you don’t work at heights regularly or you are unsure of what equipment you need, use the HSE’s WAIT tool kit.

The WAIT Toolkit shows you what type of equipment you should use when working at heights. It’s simple, fill in the form by answering the easy questions and the tool will advise you which equipment you will need.

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