Working at Height 5 Minute Safety Talk
Good morning team,
Today, we’re going to talk about a topic that demands your full attention—Working at Height. Whether it’s on scaffolding, ladders, rooftops, or elevated platforms, working at height is one of the most dangerous tasks on any job site.
Falls from height are a leading cause of workplace fatalities and serious injuries around the world. The good news? Nearly every fall is preventable with proper planning, the right equipment, and the right attitude.
Let’s take five minutes to go over how we can work safely whenever our feet leave the ground.
What Counts as Working at Height?
Working at height means working in any place where a person could fall and injure themselves—whether it’s:
- On a ladder
- On scaffolding
- On a roof or beam
- Near an edge, pit, or open floor
- Over fragile surfaces
- Even working below ground level near open excavations
If there’s any chance you could fall—it counts.
Common Hazards When Working at Height
Some hazards you need to be aware of include:
- Unstable or uneven surfaces
- Missing or damaged guardrails
- Overloaded scaffolding
- Slippery or cluttered platforms
- Inadequate fall protection
- Windy or wet conditions
Most of these can be controlled if you plan ahead.
Safe Work Practices
Follow these basic rules to stay safe:
- Always use fall protection (harness, lanyard, or guardrails)
- Inspect ladders, platforms, and PPE before use
- Secure all tools and materials—falling objects are dangerous to those below
- Use proper access equipment—never stand on boxes, chairs, or railings
- Keep work areas tidy to avoid slips and trips
- Don’t work alone—especially in risky spots
Use the Right Equipment
Different tasks require different equipment. Make sure you’re using:
- Proper ladders (step ladders, extension ladders, etc.)
- Scaffoldings that are assembled and certified by trained personnel
- Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) with fall restraint systems
- Fall arrest systems including full-body harnesses and anchors
Using the wrong equipment is as dangerous as using no equipment.
Fall Protection Equipment: Inspect and Use Properly
Before using your fall protection gear, check for:
- Frayed or cut harness straps
- Rusty or damaged buckles and D-rings
- Expired or untagged lanyards
- Secure anchor points rated for fall arrest
- Proper fitting—too loose or too tight is unsafe
If it doesn’t look right—don’t use it.
Ladder Safety Tips
When using a ladder:
- Set it on a firm, level surface
- Maintain 3 points of contact at all times
- Don’t lean or overreach
- Don’t stand on the top rung
- Always face the ladder while climbing
A ladder is not a platform—only climb, never stand and work on top.
Think Before You Climb
Before any work at height:
- Assess the job—Do you need to go up at all?
- Plan the task—Can it be done from the ground with tools like extension poles?
- Check the weather—Avoid working at height in wind, rain, or lightning
- Have a rescue plan—If someone falls while harnessed, how will they be retrieved?
Preparation can be the difference between life and death.
Working at Height Checklist
- Is fall protection in place and inspected?
- Are ladders/scaffolds in good condition?
- Are materials secured and tools tethered?
- Are guardrails or warning lines in place?
- Has the work area been checked for stability?
If you answered “no” to any of these—stop the job.
Real-Life Example
On a construction site, a worker didn’t clip into his harness while working on an edge. He slipped and fell 15 feet. Although he survived, he fractured his spine and never returned to work.
The mistake? He was only going to be up there “for a minute.”
There is no safe shortcut when working at height.
Your Responsibility
Everyone has a role in height safety:
- Workers must wear PPE and follow procedures
- Supervisors must ensure training and proper equipment
- Coworkers must watch out for each other and speak up when something isn’t safe
If it doesn’t feel safe—it probably isn’t.
Conclusion
Working at height isn’t routine—it’s risky. But with the right equipment, training, and mindset, we can make every task safer.
So remember:
- Wear your harness
- Inspect your gear
- Use proper ladders and platforms
- Don’t rush or take chances
- Always plan for safety
Because when it comes to working at height—there’s no second chance.
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5 Unique FAQs
Q1: Is fall protection required if I’m only going up for a few minutes?
Yes. Duration doesn’t change the risk. A fall can happen in seconds.
Q2: Can I work on scaffolding without a harness?
Only if guardrails are installed and compliant. Otherwise, fall protection is mandatory.
Q3: What height requires fall protection?
In general construction, it’s 6 feet (1.8 meters) or more. Always follow site-specific rules.
Q4: How often should I inspect my harness?
Before each use. A formal inspection by a competent person should happen every 6 months.
Q5: Is it safe to use a ladder on uneven ground if someone holds it?
No. Ladders must always be placed on stable, level surfaces.
