Working at height
21st January 2021
According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) falls are the second highest cause of death in agriculture – every year at least eight people die falling from a height.
Those who survive suffer broken bones and worse. Falls often happen from roofs, lofts, ladders, vehicles, bale stacks, and unsuitable access equipment, such as buckets. These accidents and injuries can cause pain and cost to farm time and money, when most fall injuries can be avoided.
So what is working at height?
‘Work at height’ is defined as work in any place where, if there were no precautions in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.
So safety regulations apply to anyone working off a ladder, any ladder irrespective of what height, indoors or outdoors.
The ‘working at height act 2005’ provides requirements which must be followed when using a ladder including the use of an effective anti-slip stability device.
Securing a ladder
Along with all the other ladder safety requirements at set out in the act, using an effective stability device and securing your ladder can help to safeguard the ladder user. By securing the ladder safely it helps to reduce the ladder feet from slipping and therefore helping keep the ladder user safe.
When buying a ladder stabiliser/anti-slip device, think about the type of surface and conditions you will come across, for example, whether you will be using that ladder indoors or outdoors. Only buy a ladder and associated stability device that will be suitable for your required surfaces.
A working at height safety awareness course is a great way to and gain full understanding of the requirements and regulations.
Disclaimer – This article cannot and does not contain any legal ladder safety/working at height or health and safety advice. The ladder safety/working at height or health and safety information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional and legal “working at height” advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals/legal regulations. We do not provide any kind of legal ladder safety/working at height or health and safety advice. The use or reliance of any information contained on this article is solely at your own risk.
