Understanding Working at Height

Working at height encompasses various scenarios where falling could result in injury. Let's delve into what constitutes working at height and its implications.

What is Considered Working at Height?

Working at height includes:

• Roofs and Scaffolding: Working on roofs, scaffolds, or any elevated structure.
• Elevated Platforms: Operating from mobile elevated working platforms.
• Ladders and Step Ladders: Using ladders or step ladders.
• Open Excavations: Working near open excavations at ground level.
• Fragile Materials: Working near or adjacent to fragile materials.
• Unloading: Unloading activities from the back of an HGV.

Conversely, activities not considered working at height include private tasks such as walking on stairs, working on upper floors in an office block, sitting in a seat on an excavator, riding animals, or flying aircraft.

Responsibilities and Guidelines

Employers and employees have specific responsibilities:

• Employer's Duties: Ensure proper planning, supervision, safe execution, selection and use of equipment, and consideration of emergency procedures and weather conditions.
• Employee's Duties: Avoid working at height if possible; if not, prevent falls using secure work equipment and methods, minimize fall distance and impact, and receive adequate instruction, training, and supervision.

Understanding and adhering to these responsibilities ensure a safe working environment when dealing with height-related tasks.