Working at height can be dangerous – but it doesn’t have to be providing that you follow simple guidelines laid out in the latest Health and Safety Review that there are safer working at height solutions.

Within the workplace there are a number of reasons as to why a ladder may need to be used. Did you know though that on a daily basis people are actually breaking the law due to the fact that if you are required to carry out a activity which will result in you having to remove both hands from the ladder then you should use something like an access platform.

But it goes further than this in the fact that a ladder is not considered suitable if the activity is going to take longer than 30 minutes or if you are required to transport something heavier than 10kgs up or down the ladder.

Sometimes within the workplace there is a need for a man-up cage to be placed onto a forklift truck. However, a non-integrated cage should not be used in conjunction with a forklift unless it is non planned and an absolute emergency. The term 'emergency' does not include having to place a non-integrated cage onto a forklift truck in order to carry out a routine stock take or stock picking.

When working upon a boom lift it has been highly recommended that the personnel wear full body harnesses. Although within the guidelines it does state that with use of a vertical lift or scissor lift it is not normally necessary to wear a harness sometimes this is misunderstood! There are situations and exceptions where it may become apparent that the personnel in operation of the scissor lift or vertical lift needs to wear a harness.

This will become known when a risk assessment is carried out; any issues will be flagged up at this stage. A risk assessment will or should prevent any harm being caused. It is law now for many employers to carry out workplace risk assessments and to act upon any issues raised within these. If health and safety obligations are not met then employers could be legally prosecuted, especially if an accident occurs.

If an accident does occur and Health and Safety do become involved then they will investigate and they will want to see:

• Training records
• Maintenance records
• The Risk Assessment

Without these firmly in place as a workplace and an employer you could face prosecutions. Every employer should ensure that all persons who use work equipment have received adequate training. The HSAWA 1974 (Health and Safety at Work Act)

Ability Handling Ltd are offering a free, no obligation site survey and demonstration for all those who are currently using access equipment or for those who think that you maybe should be. We could ease your mind and reduce bills as well as solving any current health and safety issues.