Working at Height: What You and Your Employees Need to Know

Working at Height: What You and Your Employees Need to Know

With buildings getting taller, there have become more and more reasons why people might need to work at height, whether it’s for construction, maintenance, or even cleaning. Working at height covers a wide spectrum of jobs, not just those multiple levels above the ground, and if you’re planning to have employees carry out duties where there’s a risk of a fall, then getting the right construction insurance is essential. It’s also important that those carrying out the job are fully briefed, trained, and know the health and safety rules for the work they are doing. Here are some things your company needs to know before you send people to do this kind of work.

What is the definition of ‘at height’?

Work at height can cover a wide range of jobs where people work above the ground, on a ledge, or close to an opening or hole in the floor. Basically, anywhere where people could potentially fall and injure themselves, even if it’s from a small ladder. If this kind of work needs to be done, then you need to carry out planning and a risk assessment, ensuring you have contractors’ insurance or similar liability cover, as well as covering any potential dangers.

The right equipment

When you are planning a job at height, the right equipment is essential, such as:

·        Ladders – for low risk, short jobs, ladders can be used

·        Working platforms – with guard rails if necessary

·        Mobile access towers

·        PPE such as a harness

There are many levels of work at height equipment depending on the risk level of the job such as the duration, height, and kind of work being carried out. For example, someone stacking shelves is going to be much less at risk than someone carrying out work on a scaffold. It’s important for employers’ liability to be covered in case of an accident, and for firms to be able to show they took every precaution, should an accident occur.

Working around the public

Another risk of working at height is when work is being carried out in public areas. Not only do you have the risks associated with falls and injuries, there are risks such as falling debris or tools, which need to be assessed before the work begins. You should also make sure you’re covered for public liability when working in these areas, which means your firm can get help, should a member of the public get injured because of anything related to your business.

Follow HSE guidelines

When work at height is to be carried out, it’s important to ensure you’re up to date with the latest health and safety information and guidelines. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has a number of leaflets available about working at heights, so make sure your team have been briefed before the job.

For specialist insurance products for the construction industry, simply get in touch with OnSite Insurance on 01902 324 194, e-mail customerservice@onsiteinsurance.co.uk, or fill in our online quote page to find out more.