Working At Height – Don’t Fall Down On Safety

Falling when working at height is one of the biggest causes of death and injury at work. In this article, learn how and why these accidents occur, and ways to minimise the risks, including essential safety tips everyone must make before stepping on a ladder.

20%
of fatal accidents are caused by falling from height.

SOURCE: HSE

Working at height refers to any work above ground level, with most injuries resulting from falls from less than 2 metres. Many of these can be put down to the incorrect use of the equipment or using inappropriate equipment.

How Do Working at Height Injuries Happen?

Common causes of injuries occurring when working at height include:

• Falling from an unstable ladder.
• A leaning ladder slipping or falling backwards.
• Overstretching or leaning too far from the ladder.
• Lack of a secure handhold when carrying tools.
• Faulty equipment such as worn anti-slip feet.
• Careless use – slipping or losing footing.

Should You Do a Risk Assessment Before Climbing a Ladder?

First of all, ask, do you need to use a ladder?

If you can, eliminate the need to use a ladder where possible.

However, if it is essential to work at height, the law says that a ladder can be used to work at height if the risk assessment has shown the task to be short-duration and in a low-risk situation.

To assess the risk, firstly ascertain how long you would need to stay up the ladder. The HSE recommends you consider using alternative equipment if the duration is estimated to be more than 30 minutes.

Secondly, assess the situation:

• Will the ladder be placed on a stable, flat surface? If not, then an alternative means of working at height should be used.
• Are any loads being carried up the ladder heavier than 10 kg? If so, an alternative means of working at height should be used.

Minimise the Risk of Working at Height

If using a ladder is essential and if the risks of using a ladder are assessed and it is considered safe to do so, then minimise the risk by:

• Ensuring the person using the ladder is competent. Do they have the necessary knowledge and skills needed to use the ladder properly? Have they completed appropriate Working at Height training?
• Make sure the correct type of ladder is being used; ladders should be the property of the company and individually labelled.
• Ensure equipment has been inspected and is safe to use.  Any ladder deemed unsafe must be removed from use straight away.
• Compete as much work as possible while on the ground.
• When working at height, minimise the distance of a potential fall.
• Provide protection from falling objects.
• Ensure you meet first-aider requirements.

Essential Safety Checks that Everyone Should Make Before Stepping onto a Ladder

Leaning Ladders

1. Firstly check the vertical rails known as stiles. If the stiles are bent or cracked, the ladder could collapse and must not be used.
2. Secondly, check the feet. Missing or damaged feet could make the ladder unstable. Worn feet could make slipping a risk. The feet should be clean and free from any material preventing contact with the ground (such as mud).
3. Check all welds, rivets and screws. Broken or missing ones can make a ladder dangerous to use.
4. Lastly, check the rungs are in good condition and securely in place. As soon as weight is put onto a broken rung, it could give way. Do not use a ladder with missing rungs.

Stepladders

1. Carry out the checks as with the leaning ladder.
2. In addition, pay close attention to the locking mechanism to ensure it engages firmly, and make sure there is no rust or eroding.
3. Check the stepladder platform. The ladder could collapse if the platform is damaged.

If the ladder is faulty in any way, do not use it. Remove it and report it. So, hopefully, now you have established your ladder is safe to use. Now use it safely!

Using a Ladder Safely

• If it is possible to tie the ladder to something fixed and stable, this can lower the risk of it slipping.
• Do not overreach.
• Enlist another person to stand at the foot of the ladder offering additional support.
• Never use a ladder while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never carry heavy loads – preferably under 10 kg.
• Don’t carry awkwardly shaped loads.
• Both feet should be on the rungs. Never place one foot on another surface such as a shelf or window ledge.
• Use a ladder with a non-conductive material such as a wooden ladder if there is a risk of electric shock.
• Never position a ladder near a window or door where there is a risk of opening, or within 6 metres of an overhead power line, or where passing traffic may drive too close.
• Leaning ladders – do not work off the top three rungs, these are a handhold.
• Use 1:4 rule. For every four units up, go one unit out. For instance, the bottom should be positioned 1 meter out if your ladder is to reach 4 metres in height.
• Maintain three points of contact when climbing – one hand and two feet.

Find out more about working at height safely on our accredited Working at Height: Ladder and Stepladder Training Course.