The Do’s and Don’ts of Safely Working at Height
Want to make sure your workplace is set up for success? Building a culture of safety and risk assessment and aversion is one of the best ways to prevent serious accidents and falls on site. While some industries and occupations don’t require RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights certificates to receive their qualifications, most industrial teams will benefit from completing this course.
New to the idea of workplace heights training? Read on to learn some of the most important do’s and don’ts when working at heights. These and others are covered by the Skill360 team during this one-day program that will best equip your team for working safely on the job.
The Do’s of Working at Heights Safely on the Job
With industrial equipment much safer than in the past, there will still never be an equipment-equivalent that can take the place of hands-on practical safety training. Among the many important do’s to keep in mind and action when working at heights, you should always:
- Conduct Regular Equipment Inspections
Equipment failure from lack of regular use or failing to regularly inspect for faults and breakdown can result in major workplace accidents. All equipment should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions and regularly inspected for wear and tear. If there is any doubt about the condition of a piece of equipment that raises working height, avoid it until a safer solution is found or the equipment has been inspected.
- Stay Up to Date on Working at Heights Training and Certifications
Even if your occupation, industry, or employer doesn’t require it, one of the most important preventative steps you can take to ensure your and your colleague’s safety is completing the basic Working at Heights training courses. Better still? Enrol as a team so every crew member is up-to-date with the latest industry best practices and protocols.
For tradespeople who have previously completed their course, consider re-enrolling every two years to stay compliant with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS0 policies and keeping risk-aversion top of mind.
- Consider Working at Ground Level, if Possible
Here’s an easy one–if the job can be completed on the ground, eliminate the risk of working at heights all together. If possible, move work to the ground to be completed for the safest workplace option.
- Work with a Colleague.
Never work alone. While some smaller jobs may seem best dealt with right away, working with a colleague means having another set of eyes to review your work environment, safety equipment, and person to spot you when working above ground.
- Carry your Working at Heights Ticket with you On-site.
Make sure you stay industry and workplace compliant by carrying your Working at Heights ticket with you each day. With some industry regulators issuing significant fines to non-qualified workers and non-compliant worksites, ensuring that your team is adequately trained and compliant by carrying their safety tickets with them each day is the first way to prevent both. Not only will having the required documentation prevent potential accidents or falls, carrying it with you can save your bank account too.
The Don’ts of Safely Working at Heights
- Don’t Overload Equipment Beyond Mandated Capacity Limits
The Working at Heights safety course will teach you the dangers of overloading equipment–especially when working at heights. Even if overloading a carrier seems like the fastest way to get a job done, never risk your or your colleague’s personal safety by overloading machinery with too much weight, too many people, or excess materials.
- Don’t Use Equipment Outside of Its Intended Use
Think your equipment can play double duty for the day? Never use equipment beyond its intended scope–doing so may lead to instability, overloading the weight capacity, or foregoing the manufacturer’s instructions and warranties thereby leading to even further workplace risk.
- Don’t Think That Any Elevated Work Is “Too Low”
Think that working 2-3m off the ground is ’too low’? Think again. Industry studies have shown that most workplace falls take place less than 4m above ground. Even if you think you’re not elevated ‘high enough’ to warrant following basic safety procedures it’s imperative that you do.
Complete Working at Heights Training
Want to know more about working safely at heights? Skill360 covers industry best practices, safety tips, and how you can create a safe workplace for all employees in our one-day Working at Heights course. Learn more about the benefits gained by all tradespeople by completing this one-day course here.
