Working at Height
One fall can change everything.
Working at height is one of the most serious risks on a construction site. A fall can happen from a roof, scaffold, ladder, platform, opening or unfinished floor.
Safe work at height starts with preventing the fall before relying on protection after it happens.
What Makes Working at Height Dangerous?
Working at height becomes dangerous when a person can fall and be injured.
Common fall hazards include:
- Unprotected edges
- Floor and wall openings
- Improper ladder use
- Unsafe scaffolding
- Roof edges
- Unstable platforms
Protect the Edge
An open edge should never be treated as a normal part of the work area.
Where required, appropriate protection such as guardrails, barriers or other fall-prevention systems should be provided.
Never remove or bypass protection without proper authorization and control.
Remember:
If there is an open edge, think about the fall before starting the work.
Use Safe Access
Getting to the work area is part of working safely at height.
Access equipment should be:
- Suitable for the task
- In good condition
- Properly positioned
- Used as intended
Do not improvise with boxes, loose materials or unstable surfaces to gain extra height.
Scaffolds & Ladders
Scaffolds
Check that the scaffold is suitable, stable and properly provided with required protection and access.
Do not use a scaffold that appears damaged, incomplete or unsafe.
Ladders
Use the correct ladder for the task.
Keep stable footing and maintain appropriate contact while climbing. Do not overreach or use a ladder in a way that creates an unstable position.
Don't Forget What Can Fall
Working at height can put people below at risk too. Tools, materials and debris can fall from platforms, scaffolds or upper floors.
Keep materials secure and prevent people from entering areas where falling objects could cause harm.
Working at height means protecting people above and below.
Before You Work at Height
Ask:
☐ Is the work area protected from falls?
☐ Is safe access available?
☐ Is the equipment suitable and in good condition?
☐ Could anything fall onto people below?
☐ Can the work be done without unnecessary exposure to height?
If something is unsafe, stop and report it before continuing.
Gravity never takes a day off. Always verify your anchorage and tie-off points.
INSPECT. SECURE. THEN CLIMB.
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS SAFETY
Learn | Prevent | Protect
