Why Height Safety Regulations Matter More Than You Think
For many people, health and safety regulations have a bad reputation. That’s often because they are considered to be over-complicated, ever-changing and obstructive for efficient working.
Height safety regulations are undeniably complex but that’s because they have to precisely set out what needs to be done to keep workers safe. And any changes in regulations are simply to update for changing situations and new developments so procedures can be improved. They are there for the benefit of everyone and so it is vital that they are followed.
The Importance of Height Safety Regulations and How to Enforce them
Working on a roof or other high place is fraught with danger that needs to be addressed. Potential problems include:
- Working near to an edge or on a slope that can cause workers to lose their footing and fall.
- High winds, heavy rain or other extreme weather conditions that can reduce worker stability; if possible, work should be delayed until the weather relents.
- Fragile surfaces that workers can fall through.
- Roof lights, rooftop equipment and other hazards that can get in the way.
- Unsecured hazards that can fall from a higher level.
All these and more can cause accidents, serious injury and even death so the problems need to be addressed and dealt with. The first task is to determine if work really has to be undertaken at height. If it cannot be avoided, a risk assessment is necessary before work starts.
The risk assessment needs to be thorough and undertaken by a competent person. It must identify the risks that are faced by people, how those risks can be eliminated or at least minimised and the tools and equipment that are needed to ensure safe and efficient working. The outcome will be a policy document that sets out how everything needs to be done.
Hazards should be cleared from the roof where possible or barriers and signs put in place if not. All required fall protection and fall arrest systems must be correctly installed and workers trained in their use. It is also essential that safety equipment is checked at prescribed intervals and before each use. The safety of workers is paramount.
The Benefits of Adhering to Height Safety Standards
Adhering to height safety regulations can bring a number of benefits:
- The main one, of course, is that workers are kept much safer when working at height and so you fulfil your responsibility as an employer.
- Accidents that do happen can be devastating for those affected but also very costly. Your company can suffer fines for non-compliance with regulations, may have a loss of output if work is stopped, is prone to compensation claims and can incur reputational damage that will hit future sales. So, adhering to regulations can save a lot of money in the long-term.
- Providing protection for your workers will prove you value their contribution. This will improve their morale and mean they can concentrate on work rather than worry about their safety, which will help to boost productivity.
You will only enjoy all the benefits if you plan and prepare thoroughly, install the correct equipment and then periodically inspect and maintain it so it is always in good working order. You also need to train all employees in the use of the equipment, set up procedures for safe working and constantly communicate what is to happen.
As specialists in safety equipment, especially for working at height, we can help you do all that. Get in touch today and we will ensure you get all the benefits of adhering to height safety regulations.
