Working at height Toolbox Talk

What should be identified before work at height starts?

Reason Over 40% of major injuries on construction sites involve falls from heights

Why More than 50% of falls form height end in death.

Remember - ladders and stepladders are only for light work of a short duration where there is a low risk of falling

Roof-edge barriers (or scaffolds) must be erected to prevent people and materials falling

Access ladders must extend at least 1 metre above the stepping-off point and must be secured

Fragile surfaces, such as asbestos cement roof sheets and some skylights, must be identified with signs and a safe system of working devised

Ladders must be rested at the correct angle - one unit out for four units up

If a fall could result in a serious injury, guard-rails and toe-boards must be erected

Hazards resulting from adverse weather conditions must be anticipated, and suitable precautions taken

Too much material on a working platform can make access and egress difficult

Don't allow rubbish to accumulate as this is liable to cause accidents. Use a chute or lower materials properly

Wet, windy or icy weather can seriously affect safety

Only competent operatives may be used for roofing works

A safe system of work must be devised and implemented where the roof would otherwise be liable to collapse under a person's weight.

If edge protection or a soft-landing system cannot be used, it may be necessary to use a harness and lanyard. A secure anchorage point and training will be necessary.

If using bitumen boilers, they require a drip tray.

Note to supervisor: Now inform your workforce of the company policy on working at height, particularly the use of ladders.

Q: How far should ladders extend above a stepping-off point?