Working in the construction industry can be dangerous, especially when working at heights. According to a recent report by HSE looking at work-related deaths over a five-year period, half were a result of falling from a height. The same data also showed that 19% of 61,000 non-fatal injuries in construction were due to falls from height too. If you are looking for a crane for your construction site contact Bryn Thomas Cranes now.
These shocking statistics show just how prevalent injuries and death are when employees are working at heights and the importance of understanding this danger. This article will cover what you can do to help ensure the safety of your employees working under these conditions. Commercial Crane Hire is also the best option that make your construction work easier.
Conducting risk assessments
A large part of mitigating risks in the workplace is understanding the hazards that are present. One way you should be doing this is by carrying out thorough, relevant risk assessments. This means assessing all the possible dangers that face your employees and not cutting any corners when it comes to putting relevant safeguards in place. These surveys should be carried out regularly and to a high standard.
In the context of working from heights, one of the key protective measures you should have in place on your risk assessments is the use of scaffolding. This should be checked for safety before use as well as repaired and maintained throughout projects.
Adequate training
The best protection is prevention and training your employees can help educate them on potential dangers, ensuring they are prepared for incidents and know how to avoid them. This could include informing them about slips, trips and falls and how to use machinery correctly, among other topics. If your staff are well-trained and are following procedures, the chances of injuries or fatalities will be much lower and, hopefully, non-existent.
Moreover, consider regular refresher sessions as this will ensure your employees retain the information. It is up to you as an employer to do as much as you can to protect your team members.
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Provide correct PPE, tools and equipment
Another way to protect your employees working from heights is by providing them with the right gear. Something as small as wearing a hard hat during a fall can be the difference between a minor injury and a fatality. Essential equipment includes full-body harnesses, safety lanyards and high-visibility vests. Also, provide your workers with tool lanyards, as they will help prevent accidental drops of heavy tools that could potentially injure other workers on the ground.
If you are unsure of what else you might need to consider, carry out further research and determine what precautions are legally required on site.
Inspect your equipment
It is not enough to just have the right equipment when working. It is crucial that you inspect, replace or repair tools and PPE regularly, so that if there are any faults that could cause them to malfunction, you are aware before an incident occurs. You should carry out checks to ensure everything is in working order and that you have enough to go around.
Construction is a broad industry with an equally large number of dangers that accompany it. Fortunately, there is a lot we can do to reduce the risks associated with working in hazardous environments. If you and your employees are working from heights, keep these tips in mind.
