In this post, we take you through the Hierarchy of Work at Height in a handy step-by-step format, using the HSE (UK) guidance documentation as our framework.
We hope this will help you to make logical decisions when planning working at height activities in your own workplace environment, allowing you to manage your team safely and effectively.
Step 1 | AVOID Work at Height
The first step is to ask the question, can you AVOID work at height?
Tips to avoid Work at Height
It might seem obvious, but the intention here is to do as much work from ground level as possible.
Practical examples include using extendable tools to remove the need for ladders/access equipment and locating serviceable equipment to a height that facilitates ground-level access.
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Step 2 | PREVENT a Fall from Height
The second step is to ask the question, can you PREVENT A FALL at height?
Tips to PREVENT A FALL from Work at Height
To prevent fall from occurring, the work at height can still take place, however there must be fixed infrastructure or equipment that significantly reduces or eliminates the risk of a fall from height.
Examples of fixed infrastructure that acts as ‘collective protection‘ could be;
- Fixed railings on the perimeter of a mezzanine floor
- Guard rails (also fixed) on MEWP’s, and scaffolds
Alternatively, or in addition, we may have ‘personal protection‘ that prevents falls e.g.
- using a work restraint system to prevent worker reaching a position of potential fall
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Step 3 | MINIMISE the Consequences of a Fall
The third step is to ask the question, can you MINIMISE the consequences of a fall from height?
If the risk of a person falling still remains, you must take sufficient measures to minimise the distance and/or consequences of a fall.
Tips to MINIMISE CONSEQUENCES of Fall from Height
Collective protection measures are again the first preference, such as safety net and soft landing systems i.e. air bags. Alternatively, or in addition, personal protective systems can be used to minimise the distance and consequence of a fall. These include industrial rope access and fall arrest systems.
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Step 4 | Using Ladders and Stepladders
Once all of the other avenues have been exhausted, the remaining options usually require the use of ladders and stepladders.
For tasks or low risk and short duration, ladders and stepladders can be a sensible and practical option.
Tips to Reduce Risk when using Ladders and Stepladders
If your risk assessment dictates that ladder use is unavoidable, or the most practicable option, you can reduce risk of falls by ensuring;
- the right type/size of ladder is used
- users are competent (knowledge, experience, training etc.) to carry out the work
- safe methods of work are created and followed
- employees are made aware of the risks and measures to limit risk of fall
For more guidance of Safe Use of Ladders, check out our post here.
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Hierarchy of Work at Height | Complete!
Great work and well done!
You have managed to reduce risk of injury from falls using our Hierarchy of Work at Height decision-making tool.
We hope this tool has will help you manage and carry out work at height safely.
If you found it useful, please feel free to share it with your colleagues, team and peers.
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