Following working at height safety tips can help keep you safe when working, so we've put together this list of the most important tips. For example, one tip is that we suggest you familiarise yourself with rescue procedures before you start working!

Working at height is a common requirement in the construction industry. This includes any work where you could fall from one level to another and potentially sustain an injury. Unfortunately, working at height is one of the leading causes of on-the-job injuries. This is why it's so important to follow working at height safety tips like these.

Working at height is risky even if you’re not that far off the ground. Because of this, there are lots of rules and guidelines in place to help workers stay safe while operating at height. In this blog post, you’ll find some key working at height safety tips to help you feel more confident when you’re working on a rooftop, ladder, or elevated work platform.

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If you work at height, whether it be once a year or multiple times a month, you have a duty to partake or provide working at height harness training. This is a legal duty under The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974. It is essential that anyone who works from height is 'competent' in doing so.

Read on to find out more about work at height training and why it's important for the health and safety of yourself and your peers when working at height!

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At Safety Harness Direct, we understand and care about your safety when working at height. If you work at height frequently, you will be well aware of the risks that come with this type of work. To give you the essential information you need to safely work at height, we have compiled all of our working at height guidance into one handy guide for your convenience. 

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Scaffolding safety is incredibly important. We've used our safety harness expertise to put together some scaffolding safety do's and don'ts to help keep you safe next time you're on site! 

Scaffolding Safety Do's

• Always thoroughly check the scaffolding materials (including poles, platforms and connections) for signs of wear or damage before you start building - never use materials that you aren't 100% sure are safe.
  
  
• Always thoroughly inspect your scaffolding harness for any damage or wear before use - the consequences of using damaged or faulty harnesses can be fatal, so make sure your harness inspection is in depth and that any harnesses deemed unfit are taken out of use.
  
  
• Always clear the ground of any debris and ensure that it is completely level before you start constructing the tower. 
  
  
• When constructing the tower, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. If you suspect that a part if missing or not built correctly, rectify this before you start work. 
  
  
• Ensure that only trained and experienced workers are working on the scaffold towers. All workers should have a good understanding of security procedures.
  
  
• Always carry out a risk assessment before starting the work.
  
  
• Always maintain three points of contact when using fixed ladders or stairs for access. 

Scaffolding Safety Don'ts

• Never erect a scaffold tower near a hazard like a power line - there must always be a suitable clearance before the work platforms and any external hazards.
  
  
• Don't keep equipment that is not in use at the top of the tower as it could fall and injure workers below.
  
  
• Don't work on scaffolding in adverse weather conditions like extreme wind, rain, snow or storms as these can cause the scaffold to become unstable.
  
  
• Never attempt to work on scaffolding without the correct PPE - you will need a harness, helmet, gloves, hearing protection protective eyewear and hi-vis clothing.
  
  
• Never load a scaffold beyond its weight capacity.
  
  
• Never climb the steelwork or use cross braces as ladders.
  
  
• Never throw, drop or tip materials from height. 
  
  
• Don't work on platforms without appropriate guardrails and toe boards.

Here at Safety Harness Direct, we supply a wide range of height safety equipment that will enable you to work at height safely on scaffolding. If in doubt, always speak to the site manager before undertaking any work on scaffolding. 

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There are a lot of risks of working at height you need to consider, like the dangers of dropping tools or falling. Working at height is precarious, and if you need to take equipment or materials up with you, then you need to work out how you can do so safely.

We always recommend that you conduct a thorough risk assessment before you do any work at height. This risk assessment will allow you to identify the risks of working at height and put the correct safety equipment and precautions in place to minimise the risk of an accident or injury.

To learn some of the most common risks of working at height, read our guide below.

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