Falls are among the most common causes of serious injury and even death in the workplace. When working at heights, one small mistake could turn a routine work task into a casualty. Keep the following do’s and don’ts in mind when working at heights:
Do’s
- Make sure you can safely get to and from any area that requires you to work from a height.
- Wear personal protective equipment and personal fall arrest equipment as required for the job.
- Make sure your ladder and any other equipment needed is strong enough for the job and checked regularly.
- Know what to do in case of an emergency or need to evacuate so you can do so safely.
Don’ts
- Don’t overload your ladder. Check the label on the ladder to make sure it is capable of supporting both you and your equipment before using it.
- When on a ladder, don’t overreach.
- Never rest a ladder against unstable or weak surfaces.
- Don’t use ladders to increase the working height of a scaffold.
- If you notice anything that could pose as a potential workplace hazard, please report it to your manager immediately so it can be addressed promptly.
Remember that if an injury every occurs in your workplace, it is important to respond quickly and maintain proper records. Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn for more industry news and tips, and contact us below with any questions.