Work at Height Safety TBT Download – Toolbox Talk
Good morning team,
Today, we’re going to talk about one of the most common — and most dangerous — activities on our site: working at height.
Now, “working at height” doesn’t just mean being up on a scaffold 10 meters high. It’s any place where a fall could cause injury, whether that’s 2 meters up on a ladder, on a roof, inside a plant structure, or even at ground level near an edge or open pit.
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of fatalities in construction and maintenance work. And the sad truth? Most of these incidents could have been prevented with the right planning, equipment, and behavior.
So today, we’re going to cover:
- What counts as working at height.
- The hazards you face.
- How to control those risks.
- The equipment you need.
- And the behavior that keeps you safe.
1. Why Work at Height Safety Matters
- In many countries, falls from height cause more than 30% of all construction fatalities each year.
- Serious injuries from falls include broken bones, spinal injuries, brain trauma, and even death.
- Many accidents happen from low heights — less than 2 meters.
- Weather, poor planning, and rushing the job often contribute to accidents.
2. What Counts as Working at Height?
You’re working at height if you are:
- Above ground/floor level where a fall could injure you.
- Working near an opening or fragile surface.
- Working at ground level but next to a drop, pit, or excavation.
Examples on our site:
- Scaffolds.
- Ladders.
- Roof work.
- Working on plant platforms.
- Overhead piping.
- Working above machinery.
3. Hazards in Working at Height
Let’s break them down:
3.1 Falls from Edges
- Unprotected sides, roof edges, or open floors.
- Missing or damaged guardrails.
3.2 Falls through Fragile Surfaces
- Skylights, asbestos roofing sheets, or corroded metal.
- Surfaces that can’t hold a person’s weight.
3.3 Falling Objects
- Tools, bolts, or debris dropped from height can injure people below.
3.4 Equipment Failure
- Scaffolding collapse, ladder slip, or harness failure.
3.5 Slips and Trips
- Uneven surfaces, loose cables, wet or oily surfaces.
3.6 Environmental Hazards
- Strong winds, rain, lightning, or poor lighting.
4. Control Measures – How We Stay Safe
4.1 Avoid Work at Height If Possible
- Can the task be done from the ground?
- Use long-reach tools, extendable poles, or remote systems where possible.
4.2 Use the Right Equipment
- Scaffolds must be properly erected by competent persons.
- Ladders should only be used for short-duration, low-risk tasks.
- Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) for certain jobs.
4.3 Fall Protection Systems
Two main types:
- Fall Prevention – Guardrails, toe boards, safety gates.
- Fall Arrest – Harness and lanyard systems that stop a fall in progress.
Always:
- Inspect harnesses and lanyards before use.
- Anchor to a certified point.
- Keep lanyards as short as possible to reduce fall distance.
4.4 Safe Access and Egress
- Use proper stair towers, ladders, or fixed access systems.
- Never climb on cross-braces or makeshift ladders.
4.5 Prevent Falling Objects
- Use tool lanyards.
- Install debris netting or toe boards.
- Keep the area below barricaded and signed.
4.6 Environmental Controls
- Stop work during high winds, storms, or poor visibility.
- Use proper lighting for night work.
5. PPE – Your Last Line of Defense
For working at height, PPE may include:
- Full-body harness.
- Shock-absorbing lanyard or retractable lifeline.
- Hard hat with chin strap.
- Non-slip safety boots.
- Gloves with good grip.
- High-visibility clothing.
6. Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do:
- Plan the work before starting.
- Inspect equipment daily.
- Maintain three points of contact on ladders.
- Use guardrails or harnesses.
- Keep both hands free for climbing.
❌ Don’t:
- Use makeshift platforms.
- Overreach while on ladders or scaffolds.
- Remove guardrails.
- Work in bad weather without reassessing risk.
- Ignore signs of equipment damage.
7. Step-by-Step Safe Work Procedure
- Assess the job — Can we avoid working at height?
- Plan — Select safe method, equipment, and team.
- Inspect — Check all equipment and structures.
- Protect — Install fall prevention or fall arrest systems.
- Communicate — Make sure everyone knows the plan.
- Work safely — Stay alert, follow procedures.
- Review — Report hazards, fix problems immediately.
8. Real-Life Case Study
A maintenance worker was repairing a light fitting 3 meters above the floor. He was on a ladder, leaning sideways to reach a cable. The ladder slipped, and he fell headfirst onto the concrete floor, suffering fatal head injuries.
The investigation found:
- The ladder was not secured.
- The worker was overreaching.
- No alternative access equipment was considered.
Lesson: Always secure ladders, maintain three points of contact, and choose the safest method — even for quick jobs.
9. Worker Engagement – Q&A
Let’s check:
- What’s the safest way to prevent a fall from height?
- When should you use a harness?
- Name one control to stop objects from falling.
10. Closing Words – Bringing It Back to the Start
Alright team, we began this morning talking about how working at height can be deadly — and it’s true. Most falls are preventable if we plan, protect, and work with discipline.
No matter how routine the job feels, the risk is always there. Gravity doesn’t take a day off.
If something looks unsafe — stop and fix it before you climb. If you’re not confident in the equipment or conditions — speak up. You have the right to refuse unsafe work.
At the end of the day, our goal is simple: everyone goes home in the same condition they came in. That means thinking before we climb, securing every edge, and protecting everyone below.
Let’s work smart, look out for each other, and make safety our first step — every time we step up.
Stay alert, stay safe, and let’s have a productive day.
Excavation Safety TBT Download – Toolbox Talk
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