Working at Height Toolbox Talk
The risk of falling and causing a serious injury increases when working at height. This could be up a ladder, in a crane, or high up on scaffolding. This working at height toolbox talk covers key information about the dangers. You can also view and download more than 60 other toolbox talks covering other risks with our toolbox talks kit.
Free toolbox talk on working at height
Introduction
Falling from height is the major cause of fatalities in the construction industry. More than half of falls from a height of more than two metres result in death or serious injury. All such deaths and serious injuries are preventable with help from this working at height safety toolbox talk.
Main points
- Can working at height be avoided and the risk eliminated?
- Plan work at height to include safe access/egress, edge protection (for people and materials), PPE, and suitable training as applicable.
- Any work above two metres requires guard-rails, intermediate guard-rails, and toe-boards to be fitted.
- Where impracticable to fit guard-rails, intermediate guard-rails and toe-boards (short duration) then personal suspension equipment/fall arrest equipment must be utilised as required.
Discussion points
- If roof work is involved, identify any fragile areas and/or openings and implement suitable protective precautions.
- Access ladders must be secured and extended sufficiently beyond working platforms to allow for safe access/egress.
- Where access ladders run for more than 9m, then suitable intermediate platforms must be provided.
- Consider weather conditions – wet, windy and/or icy conditions can have a serious impact on safety at height.
- Ensure operatives are suitably trained and physically capable of tasks being undertaken.
- If guard-rails, fragile surface covers, or void protections are removed for any reason then they must be replaced as soon as possible, and in the interim should be physically guarded.
- Use crawling boards/roof ladders where applicable.
Use this free working at height risk assessment checklist for more help and information.
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