Behavioural Safety

Working At Height

                                 

                             

Agenda Agenda

1. What is work at height ?

2. Why we must control work at height

3. Using ladders safely

4. Common causes of falls

5. Stepladders

                                 

                             

What Is Work At Height ? What Is Work At Height ?

Work at height is work in any place, including a place at, above or

below ground level, where a person could be injured if they fell from

that place. Access and egress to a place of work can also be work at

height.

Examples of work activities that are classified as working at height

include :

• working on a flat roof

• working from a ladder

• working at ground level adjacent to an open excavation

• working near or adjacent to fragile materials.

                                 

                             

Why We Must Control Work At HeightWhy We Must Control Work At Height

Latest figures show that 46 people died from a fall from height at

work in 2005/06. This is the lowest number on record, but falls

from height remain the most common kind of accident causing

fatal injuries. The number of people who have suffered major

injury as a result of a fall has also reduced, from 3799 in 2004/05

to 3351 in 2005/06.

Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury

and the second most common cause of major injury to

employees, accounting for around 15% of all such injuries.

                                 

                             

Using Ladders Safely Using Ladders Safely

When can ladders be used ?

• Ladders can be used if after assessing the risks the use of more suitable

work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and short

duration.

• Short duration is taken to be between 15 and 30 minutes depending

upon

the task.

• Ladders can also be used for low risk work where there are

features on the site that mean a ladder must be used.

                                 

                             

Common Causes of Falls Common Causes of Falls

Common causes of falls include those where:

You can help prevent this type of fall if you:

Keep your body centred within the ladder The user over-reaches

Always keep three points of contact with the ladder

Keep the rungs clean and in good condition

Wear non-slip footwear, if necessary clean the soles before using the ladder

Are fit to work at height

Are trained to use a ladder

Keep three points of contact with the ladder

The user slips from the ladder

Make sure the rungs are horizontal

Position the ladder correctly on a firm, level surface

Check the feet of the ladder daily

Fasten the ladder at top and bottom The ladder wobbles, slips and falls

Rest the ladder on a firm surface at the top

Position the ladder properly, use the 1 in 4 rule for leaning ladders

Do not exceed the maximum weight limit on the ladder

The ladder breaks

Only carry light materials or tools (up to 10kg)

Is a ladder right for the job ?

If you are not sure that it is right to use a ladder speak to your Line Manager or the Safety Representative.

                                 

                             

StepLadders StepLadders

Before Use

• Before you use a stepladder, first ask yourself: am I fit to work at

height?

Then think about the condition and the position of the ladder.

• A stepladder in good condition has:• Feet firmly attached

• Clean treads

• Secure locking devices

• Secure fastenings when it is extended

• A stepladder in a good position:• Is fully open

• Is locked into place

• Will not move at the bottom.

• Stands on a surface that is: • firm • level (see the diagrams below for safe limits on slopes) • clear • dry • not slippery

                                 

                             

StepLadders StepLadders

In Use

• Only work on a stepladder for a maximum of 15 - 30 minutes at a time

• Only carry light materials and tools (up to 10 kg)

• Do not overreach – make sure your belt buckle (navel) stays within the

stiles

• Keep both feet on the same rung or step throughout the task

• Make sure you have a safe handhold available on the steps

• Avoid side-on working

                                 

                             

Questions?Questions?