4 KEY POINTS ABOUT WORKING AT HEIGHT

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4 KEY POINTS ABOUT WORKING AT HEIGHT

 

From what height is it considered to be working at height?

There is no minimum height. A job is considered to be at a height as soon as the activity is not carried out on the ground but from an elevated position, a position close to a difference in level or equipment that raises the person (roof, pylon, mezzanine, equipment for working at height, excavation, gondola, footbridge, etc.). Some temporary work at height is prohibited or regulated for young workers aged 15 to 18.

 

What are the risks of working at height?

Working at height is undeniably a risky activity. Falls from height are the second most common cause of fatal accidents at work after road traffic accidents. Falls from height can occur from roofs, roof structures, elevated areas, pylons, scaffolding, and even from ladders or stepladders!

 

Who can work at height?

Anyone over the age of 18 can take the working at height course. No previous knowledge is necessary (exception: in case of use of personal fall protection equipment, the user must be trained and skilled to wear of this kind of equipment), but it is important to be in good health and not to have any medical contraindications.

How can you protect yourself and others when working at height?

1. Avoid the risk.

2. Assess the risks.

3. Give priority to collective protection measures: rolling scaffolding, lifting platforms, with preference for permanent installations.

4. If this is not possible, provide for the use of personal fall protection equipment (fall arrest systems, safety harnesses) and ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job, maintained and checked regularly.

5. Give appropriate instructions to workers.

6. Provide protection from falling objects.

7. Consider emergency evacuation and rescue procedures.

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