Working at heights – always protect yourself from falling
Work in high places means working in any area with an unprotected side, edge or hole that is 2 m or greater above a lower level or there is an unusual possibility of injury if a worker falls less than 2 m.
Before starting the work in high places, risks must be assessed and work carefully planned. Rules of thumb in planning are:
- Avoid work at heights if reasonably practicable
- Prevent falls by using either an existing place of work that is already safe or the right type of equipment eg. scaffolding
- Minimize the distance and consequences of a fall by using the right type of falling arrestor and a safety harness
Falls and falling objects are one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries. Therefore you must always protect yourself from falling at heights.