Working at Height

This training will benefit managers, supervisors, team leaders and operatives who organise, plan, supervise and carry out work at height.

Below are just a few examples of industries involving working at height:

Construction Industry

From roofing to decorating, all manner of activities and trades in the construction sector, from home builds to large commercial developments, involve working at height.

Rail Industry

Working at height is an everyday occurrence on the railway, for example Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) engineers working on mobile elevated working platforms (MEWPs) or a rolling stock technician working on a raised platform in a depot.

Utilities Industry

Water, gas, electric, renewables and telecommunications industries all feature working environments that involve working at height.

Cables and installations are often located overhead, so for industry professionals working with ladders and other lifting equipment is a common occurrence.

Over 60% of deaths during work at height involve falls from ladders, scaffolding, working platforms and roof edges, and falls through fragile roofs are also a significant factor. These are everyday risks for anyone who works in the electrical industry, and that’s why working from height safely needs to be a continuing priority.

Warehousing and Logistics

Warehouses, maintenance and facilities management involve regular working at height activities especially using low level access equipment. Reactive maintenance or repairs may also need to be carried out quickly to maintain operational efficiency and business continuity and supply chains.

Working at height refers to any work activity or duty that is carried out in a place where a person could fall a distance sufficient enough to cause personal injury.

Workers don’t need to fall far to be seriously injured or even killed. For example serious injuries can take place whilst working on a ladder or flat roof or falling through a fragile surface. This also includes falling into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground.

Occupations that involve working at height take place across a wide range of industries, with many hazards specific to individual roles and their working environment.

Failure to plan properly and underestimating the risks involved in working at height, often when carrying out work at relatively low heights (from zero to six metres) is a common cause of many accidents, with failure to take sufficient precautions such as securing themselves or the equipment properly or using equipment in inappropriate areas where the ground isn’t secure, the common reasons.

On completion of this course, delegates will be able to describe and demonstrate the following:

• Current legislation in relation to working at height
• The hierarchy for working at height
• Manage the risks from working at height and take the necessary steps to avoid, prevent or minimise these risks.
• Show knowledge of the correct equipment for working at height.

Working at Height Awareness Course Content

• Current legislation
• Employer/employees’ responsibilities
• Hierarchy for ‘Working at Height’
• How to work safely at height
• Risk assessments and method statements
• Different types of access equipment
• Personal Protective Equipment – Harness, lanyards and anchor points
• Post-theory confirmation of knowledge paper
• Question and answer session.

Training method:

Theory inputs and practical sessions.

Course outcome/qualification:

Certificate of Attendance.

No pre-requisite knowledge or qualification required to enrol on this course.