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Work at height is a type of work in any place, including a place at, above or below ground level, where a person could be injured if they fall from where they stand working. Working on trestles, working on flat roof, erecting from work, working on a ladder, are examples of work activities that are classified as work at height.

That being said, I am sure that you already have an idea of how risky this type of job is. It is not a typical type of job where you are relaxed and safe all the time, especially if you are not properly trained and fit for the job as risky as this.

However, due to constant demand of this type of job (probably because only a few are willing to take it), some are forced to go for it, instead of them being jobless, which is very understandable during this tough economic times. Anyway, if you are on for this type of job, where risks are doubled, compared to people who are relaxed on a chair and in front of their computer, while working, then I suggest that you read this article from top to bottom, because it will give you the key information that you have to know, when working at height.

Reported Casualties When It Comes To This Type Of Job

Work at height is number one when it comes to fatality and injuries in the construction industry. 60 % of deaths in constructions have to do with working at height. Fall from ladders, fall from scaffolding, falling from platforms and sidings are some of the common accidents in this regard. Work at height should be carried out from a platform with suitable protection, to avoid accidents and injuries.

What You Should Know Before Working For This Type Of Job

Before work, few things should be clear on paper, this concerns the risks, what precautions are taken, and every points of interest should be as safe as possible. The law on working at height requires that employers take into account the risk assessment, organizing and planning and proper identification of working at height. The key points here is to carry out risk assessments for work at height activities, and making sure that all the work, is properly planned, organized and carried out by a competent person.

Companies should also follow the general principles of prevention for managing risk from work at height. In Singapore, there are MOM Work at Height courses available to provide workers the knowledge on keeping themselves safe and injury-free at work. Steps should be taken to prevent or reduced risks. The work at height regulations requires employers to ensure that, all work at height is properly planned and organized. A risk assessment is carried out for all the work activities. Proper work equipment is selected and used. This equipment should be properly inspected and well maintained, and lastly, risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled.

Working at height follows a hierarchy of controls- avoids, prevent and arrest. In accordance with these hierarchy principles, considerations should be given to common risk encountered within the construction industry. These principles taken to consideration the following: Avoidance of working at height-identifying innovative solutions at the planning and designing stage to avoid work at height.
Prevention of falls- identifies and utilizes an existing safe of work. Make safe existing structures with suitably adequate protection.
Minimize consequence of falls – introduced protective equipment to reduce the accidents of falling. Use collective protection to protect all workers.
Other measures when prevention and avoidance of falls cannot be practiced – training and toolbox talks, like ladders, towers scaffolds and working platforms. Warning notices, foot and hand holds, and suitable emergency rescue procedure for a suspended person.
Working at height is indeed a high risk job, not only for the worker but also for the employer.
Various elements should be taken into consideration when applying and even offering this kind of jobs. Proper training and supervision is the key to have a good and safe working environment in this line of business. Employers and workers should work closely to prevent accidents and maintain a safe ground of work for everyone.

These are the different key information that you have to know, if you want to pursue working at height.