Safety Rules & Issues for Work at Height Employees

 Working from a height is one of the dangerous jobs. A large number of deaths on the construction site is caused by fall accident. It is because the workers do not follow the protocols or do not inspect their equipment before being carried to a height. It is the top priority of the employers, supervisors, and site managers to regularly inspect and treat the equipment used to lift workers at a height. It is important to have the work at height rescue equipment to save the workers from any unforeseen incidents.

Whether it's a high capacity telehandler, cherry lift machine, or harnesses lifting workers to a great height; it needs a mandatory inspection every day before the operation.  Working on height is most common in the construction industry or industrial sites where workers have to work from a height above the ground to access different areas of the building.

There are particular work standards when it comes to working on heights. The employers and employees need to comply with the standard rules and regulations set by the respective authorities. There are certain duties and responsibilities for the employers to perform for those working at heights. They are:

Strategy and planning for work on Heights:
When you work on height, it needs proper planning. It is necessary to have all the height equipment in a good condition before implementing it to use. Moreover, it must be pre-decided on how many workers have to work on height and in which direction of the building. Technical arrangements should be made and it is imperative to be equipped with safety measures to prevent any accidents. A strategic plan will save you from every risk-bearing hazard.

Check Workers’ Competence:
Where employers have the prime responsibility to implement and inspect the work from height arrangements; it is also important for the worker/employee to be competent enough in handling that equipment. The employer should also check their competence or their ability to work from a height. They cannot employ or choose a worker who has acute fear from height. Only healthy and competent people who are experts are allowed to work from a height.

Risk Evaluation on the site:
Every construction site is different from each other. Some have less risk depending on their terrains and other factors, but others might not be that smooth to deal with. It poses several risks on the site. If you have to implement work from a height on such terrains that are risky, it should be done with utmost security. The employer must conduct a working at height risk assessment to evaluate risk from every corner of the site where the workers will start working at height. If the construction site is dangerous, the employer should take enough time to inspect and evaluate the risk and then start working with a pre-planned strategy and rules. These are the sites where work at height standards should be strictly followed.

Selection and Inspection of Safety equipment:
Work at a height is impossible without proper equipment. There can be no compromise in terms of the quality and durability of that equipment as they keep you safe on a height. Every day, a thorough inspection of equipment should be the primary task for the employer and the workforce. If the work at height has to be done on any dangerous area, the harness, cables, and other fixtures must be fixed appropriately by following their standard protocols.

Use of Safety Equipment:
It is mandatory to get the safety equipment on-site. It protects you from any unforeseen accidents. But the employers and the supervisors also have to know whether the user (worker/employee) is trained on using such equipment or not. Do they know how to operate their equipment when any emergency exists? Do they know how to use safety equipment at a height? Are they fully trained? etc. If you feel any sort of incompetency in the workforce on handling such equipment; train them for their safety and life.

Secure Installation of Equipment:
There is large equipment like high capacity telehandler, boom lift, scissor lift, etc. that needs secure installation on site. Unless the machine is installed with the safest technique, the workers working on them are not safe. Likewise, the installation of harnesses, mobile elevated working platforms, trestles, and staging, etc. should be done perfectly. There should be no trace of doubt on any safety measure implemented onsite.

Do you need efficient construction equipment? Are you looking out for the best price and specifications but could not get the same? Visit the official website of Dieci Ontario and select the construction equipment of your choice. You can purchase them for a lifetime or rent them till the time of use. For high capacity telehandlers and other efficient equipment, you can call us at 1-833-743-2500 or write to us at info@torcanlift.com. Our representatives will connect with you to know and process your requirement.