Working At Height Policy

This policy supplements the Health & Safety Policy Statement and describes how we discharge our duties under the Work at Height Regulations 2005.  Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most common cause of major injury to those working in the construction industry.

 

We will provide a safe working environment for all employees who may be required to work at height.  We will achieve this by:-

 

• Identifying work activities that may involve working at height.
• Eliminating the need to work at height whenever it is reasonably practicable to do so.
• Ensuring that, where work at height cannot be eliminated, we use the risk assessment process to evaluate & manage risk.
• Implementing a safe system of work that will prevent falls of persons, materials & equipment.
• Providing suitable plant and equipment to allow safe access for persons and materials.
• Ensuring working platforms and any supporting structures are appropriate and designed in accordance with current standards.
• Ensuring that regular inspections of all equipment required for working at height are undertaken.
• Providing adequate information and training to ensure that only competent persons are engaged in working at height.

 

All personnel are responsible for ensuring that the intentions of this policy are effectively implemented on site with Site Agents ensuring necessary appropriate action is determined and actioned upon.

 

It is the responsibility of each member of staff to:-

 

• Co-operate with this policy.
•  To abide by the requirements of any systems of work designed to protect them.
• Utilise any plant and equipment in a safe & responsible manner.
• Report defects immediately.

 

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action.

 

 

 

The policy has also been produced as a separate document and is on public display.

 

Reviewed October 2009.