Working Safely at Heights

The importance of working safely at heights

Fall protection systems are crucial for people working at heights, such as construction workers and maintenance technicians. While working at heights may be routine for some, the risks cannot be ignored.

Working safely at heights is important to prevent accidents. The fall protection systems provided by RSS Systems can help with that. The rooftop fall protection systems are suitable for sloping roofs and flat roofs. These systems comply with working at heights legislation to ensure the safety of the user.

What are the risks of working at heights?

Working at heights entails several risks. There is a possibility of falling from a height or through an opening in a work platform. Additionally, there is a risk of being struck by a falling object, having a longer escape route in emergencies, or experiencing insufficient stability due to improperly secured scaffolding or ladders. Therefore, it is crucial that all necessary measures are taken to ensure your safety when working at heights.

Before employers allow their employees to work at heights, they must answer two questions:

■ Is there a possibility to perform the work at ground level?
■ Can we avoid the risk of falling?

Of course, it is not possible for every profession to avoid working at heights. Therefore, always use the safest systems to prevent accidents.

From what height is fall protection mandatory?

According to government regulations on preventing fall hazards in article 3.16, it is stated: “There is in any case a risk of falling when there are risk-enhancing circumstances, openings in floors, or when there is a risk of falling from 2.5 meters or more.” This means that fall protection must be present during work on scaffolds, ladders, and roofs. The law requires fall protection to prevent injury and death. It is important for employers to comply with legal regulations and ensure that employees are properly trained in the use of fall protection equipment to minimize accidents and ensure a safe working environment.

Here's what you can do to work safely at heights

There are several things you can do to work safely at heights. Always wear the appropriate protective equipment, such as safety goggles, sturdy shoes with non-slip soles and steel toes, and a safety helmet. You can also purchase a fall protection system. This system prevents you from falling while working at heights and provides a way to stop quickly if a fall does occur. The rooftop fall protection systems from RSS offer the perfect solution to prevent accidents and are suitable for all roof types (A, B, and C).

In addition to these safety measures, ensure that your employees are well trained to work at heights and that there is a clear rescue plan in place if a worker does fall from a roof. It is also important to have a Risk Assessment and Evaluation (RAE) in place. A Risk Assessment and Evaluation (RAE) documents the health and safety risks associated with the company’s activities. The company also evaluates these risks and investigates how many employees are exposed to a risk and for how long.

Curious about how we can help make working at heights safer? Then contact us.

Working Safely at Heights