Taking height seriously

By - , Build 156

Whether someone is on site as a surveyor, inspector, worker or visitor, working at height needs careful consideration and planning.

FALLS FROM 3 m or less off roofs and from ladders account for a considerable portion of the construction sector serious harm accidents reported to WorkSafe New Zealand. To make the situation worse, more injuries happen on residential building sites than any other workplace in the construction sector.

Try to eliminate or minimise the risk

Before starting work at height, it’s important that a full evaluation of the job takes place. Work through the hierarchy of controls.

First, try to eliminate the need to work at height.

Second, try to minimise the risk with methods such as substitution, isolation, engineering controls, administrative controls or your last line of defence – personal protective equipment (PPE).

The easiest way to conduct this assessment is to complete a task analysis or safe work method statement. This is a planning tool that guides you step by step through each activity and gets you to consider how the job can be done as safely as possible.

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Look at other options before harnesses

If you do need to work at height, opt for height systems such as scaffolding, edge protection or mobile elevated working platforms as your preferred option.

In the event you have ruled out other safety systems, harnesses come in as your last line of defence as they are a form of PPE. Below are the types of harness systems you should consider using.

Fall restraint

Fall restraints are the preferred harness system, preventing you from reaching the edge. The worker is restrained through a full-body harness that is connected to an energy-absorbing lanyard and anchor point.

Restraint systems require less training and competency than other height and harness systems but restrict a worker’s movement.

Fall arrest

The last defence is a fall arrest system that allows you to reach the edge. If a fall occurs, a shock absorbing lanyard will break the fall.

Consider the swing fall effect. Anchors need to be at least 6 m above the ground in order to prevent you hitting the ground.

It’s vital that a working rescue plan is in place before using a fall arrest system. The harness puts pressure on the fallen worker’s circulation so a quick, efficient rescue is needed.

Work positioning systems

A work positioning system allows a person to work supported in a harness, in tension, while at height. A lanyard is attached to both the worker’s harness and their place of work, so that the worker can lean back and have the lanyard support the weight.

This system allows users to have their hands free to focus on the task, such as line-work. A fall arrest system should be used in conjunction with work positioning systems.

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Before starting work

There are several things to check before commencing work with a height and harness system. Ensure that training, anchors, lanyards, harnesses and rescue plan are current, relevant to the job and compliant with standard AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall arrest systems and devices.

Another important factor when selecting the appropriate height harness systems is the competency of you or your team. This is a combination of training, knowledge, experience and supervision.

When considering if you or your team are competent, think about whether you can confidently demonstrate and understand:

  • how to correctly fit and attach a safety harness
  • the danger of using incompatible hardware – for example, harnesses and lanyards from different systems
  • how to inspect, maintain and store the equipment
  • how to correctly anchor, install and use the total restraint system
  • how to execute your team’s rescue plan.

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Have rescue plan in place

Always work in teams when using height and harness safety systems and implement a rescue plan before starting work.

Responsibilities should be assigned to everyone on site so they know what to do in case of a fallen worker.

Calling 111 is not a sufficient rescue plan.

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Let WorkSafe know when over 5 m

Also complete a notification of particular hazardous work with WorkSafe New Zealand when carrying out work above 5 m, and ensure you notify them 24 hours before starting the job.

Remember, these systems are the last option if you cannot use another method of working at height like scaffolding or edge protection.

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For more

Download a free task analysis worksheet from sitesafe.org.nz/sssp. Site Safe also offers a height and harness course which covers Unit Standard 23229.

Download the PDF

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Articles are correct at the time of publication but may have since become outdated.

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