What is working at heights?

Working at heights is defined as the performance of work at an elevated height of two meters or higher where workers are exposed to the injury of falling. This type of work is common in the construction industry. Working at heights is one of the biggest causes of preventable work injuries and fatalities around the world.

What is a working at height risk assessment?

A working at height risk assessment evaluates hazards and risks associated with working above ground/floor level. It is both a moral and legal obligation of employers to have a risk assessment done prior to working at heights in order to formulate and implement preventive measures against potential injuries and fatalities associated with working at heights.

Same as a regular risk assessment, a risk assessing while working at heights involves the following steps:

1. Identify hazards

2. Evaluate the risks and determine who may be harmed

3. Decide on protective, precautions, and control measures

4. Document findings and implement them

5. Review and update if necessary

Top 5 hazards to check during working at heights risk assessments

Working at heights is dangerous in more ways than one. Several situations, elements, and factors contribute not only to the overall risk level, but also to the nature of the hazards safety officers and construction workers may face on any given day. Below are the top hazards encountered when working at heights:

1. Slips, trips, and falls

Slips, trips, and falls are common accidents that occur when a person loses balance due to sudden changes in surface conditions, obstacles, or uneven flooring. Neglected tools and equipment are one of the common causes of these accidents. Workers must also be clear of any influence of drugs or alcohol, and be fit to work to ensure proper motor function.

2. Falling objects

Falling objects are another common hazard when working at heights that can injure workers or damage equipment. To prevent this, it's important to designate specific areas for tools and materials on elevated platforms. Safety officers should ensure that workers, especially those below, wear hard hats at all times.

3. Faulty work platforms and scaffolds

Elevated working platforms such as scaffolds and towers can be dangerous if they are poorly designed or maintained. Safety officers must ensure that elevated work platforms follow OSHA standards and are regularly inspected to catch and fix any structural problems promptly.

4. Fragile roofing

Fragile roofing refers to roofs not designed to support the weight of workers. To safely use them as work platforms, a proper assessment is necessary to determine the right safety measures. Construction personnel should use roof ladders or crawling boards to evenly distribute weight, allowing the roof to handle the load safely.

5. Inclement weather

Inclement weather such as strong winds, rain, snow, and fog can damage structures, make surfaces slippery, and reduce visibility. During bad weather, it's safest to stop any work. If work must continue, safety officers should ensure workers are properly trained and equipped with the right PPE to minimize risks and prevent accidents.

Planning for working at heights

Unless necessary, it is advisable to avoid working at heights and instead encourage workers to use extended or long-handled tools for hard-to-reach locations.

However, should it be necessary to work at height, determine first if falls and accidents are preventable. If so, proper safety equipment—PPE, scaffolding, and harnesses—should be used and maintained. If falls and accidents are at risk of occurring or not preventable, then additional safety harnesses and fall protection landing gear should be installed.

Below is a flow-chart that summarizes the decision-making process when planning on working at heights:

Working at heights risk assessment procedure

Before working at heights, a thorough risk assessment is important to ensure the safety of your workers. Below is an example of how to conduct a working at heights risk assessment :

1. Inspect Platforms and PPE: Thoroughly check all elevated platforms, such as scaffolds and towers, along with personal fall arrest equipment for defects or damage. Establish a regular inspection schedule to ensure ongoing safety.

2. Verify Load Capacity: Confirm that platforms and equipment can safely support the intended load. For example, scaffolding should be able to bear at least four times the maximum load it will encounter.

3. Assess Worker Fitness: Ensure that workers are properly trained for working at heights, physically fit, and free from impairments. They should not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

4. Secure Tools and Equipment: Implement procedures to secure tools and equipment to prevent them from falling. Use tool lanyards, holsters, and belts to minimize the risk of falling objects.

5. Report Hazards Immediately: Promptly report any identified risks or hazards. Cease work until a competent person addresses and resolves the issues to ensure a safe working environment.

Sample working at heights risk assessment report

After the inspection, users can then generate a professional report to share with stakeholders and have an action plan already in the pipeline :

Working at heights risk assessment sample report