Falling from height is the most common cause of workplace deaths.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended), if followed should prevent falls from height occurring or reduce the risk of injury should a fall from height occur.
Even if a worker is working at ground level or below ground, and falls from a height the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended) shall apply if there was a risk of injury, which ought to have been recognised.
If a worker is instructed to carry out work at height the construction site manager or employer must do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent that worker, or anyone else falling.
First and foremost in terms of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended) the construction site manager or employer must try to avoid the need for a worker to work at height.
If it is not possible for the Construction Site Manager or employer to avoid the need for a worker to work at height then they must
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Enforce the use of equipment and procedures to prevent falls occurring
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Enforce the use of equipment and procedures to minimise the distance and consequences if a worker should fall from height
Construction site managers and employers must make workers safety one of their paramount concerns. Construction Site Managers and employers have a duty in terms of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended) to:
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Properly plan and organise the work at height and to undertake to make workers as safe as possible.
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Make sure the work being carried out at height is appropriately supervised and the area properly inspected.
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Make sure all those working at height are trained and competent.
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Make sure those working at height have suitable and properly maintained equipment to allow them to carry out the task and are properly trained in the use of such equipment.
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Consider factors such as the weather and postpone work if the weather condition could endanger workers.
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Make sure workers have a safe means of access to and from the area where they are working.
If in the worst case a worker does fall from a height and is injured construction site managers and employers must have plans in place to deal with such an emergency.
Further information regarding the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended) can be found at: