Working From Heights Safely – Legislation and Standards
Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key issues to be addressed when working from heights.
Introduction
Working from heights involves tasks performed in any place where, if precautions are not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.
In summary, working from heights requires strict adherence to safety legislation and standards to prevent accidents and injuries.
Both employers and employees play crucial roles in ensuring a safe working environment by complying with regulations, using appropriate safety equipment, and staying informed about best safety practices.
• This includes work above ground/floor level, near or on openings in the floor, or near or on fragile surfaces.
• The risks associated with working from heights make it crucial for both employers and employees to be well-informed about relevant legislation, standards, and best practices for safety.
Legislation and Standards
• Globally, many countries have specific legislation and standards that govern working from heights to ensure the safety and health of workers.
• These laws and standards often detail the minimum requirements for the prevention of falls, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the training required for workers who perform these tasks.
• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States: OSHA provides detailed regulations for fall protection in various industries, including construction and general industry. Key standards include 29 CFR 1926.501 for construction and 29 CFR 1910.28 for general industry.
• EU-OSHA shares good practices and communicates information in a variety of ways to reach employers, workers and workplaces. Their publicity campaigns include the European Week for Safety and Health at Work, which focuses on different themes.
• They also provide information on their website here
o In the European Union, Directive 2001/45/EC establishes minimum safety and health requirements for the use of equipment for work at heights.
• HSE (Health and Safety Executive) in the United Kingdom: The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) outline the comprehensive measures employers must take to ensure safety when working at height.
Employer and Employee Responsibilities
Employers are generally responsible for:
• Conducting a risk assessment to identify potential hazards when working at heights and determining the necessary control measures.
• Ensuring that all work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent persons.
• Providing appropriate work equipment for working at heights and maintaining this equipment.
• Offering training to employees on how to work safely at heights.
Employees have the responsibility to:
• Follow the training and instructions provided by the employer.
• Use the provided safety equipment correctly.
• Report any hazardous conditions to the employer.
• Cooperate with the employer in complying with all relevant safety requirements.
Compliance with Safety Standards - Challenges:
• Keeping up with Regulations: Safety standards and legislation can evolve, making it challenging for businesses to remain compliant.
• Training: Ensuring all employees have current and comprehensive training can be difficult, especially in industries with high turnover rates.
• Cost: Implementing and maintaining the necessary safety measures can be costly, particularly for small businesses.
Next Steps
Sofema Aviation Services (www.sassofia.com) and Sofema Online www.sofemaonline.com provide EASA compliant regulatory and vocational training. Including EASA Part 145 workplace best practices. Please see the websites or email team@sassofia.com for details.
