Working at height: what safety measures should be taken to avoid accidents?

Working at height means that a person works in a place that requires material resources such as gondola rental and the necessary safety precautions to prevent it from falling from these heights. \n\nDid you know that injuries caused by working at height are a leading cause of work-related injuries and deaths? Falls from ladders, scaffolding and climbing over debris can cause serious injury. And this, even when the height is not perceived as dangerous. So, what precautions should you take to avoid these mishaps related to working at height? \n\nRead also: Why is roof renovation so important for the good of your home?\r\n

When working more than 2 meters from the ground, what prevention measures should be put in place?

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Here's what someone working at height should do:

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• do as much work as possible while you are on the ground;
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• ensure that the equipment you use for the job is strong, stable and suitable enough to do the job. Inspect and maintain them regularly;
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• be careful when working near a fragile surface;
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• make sure you are protected against falling objects;
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• do not go too far when you are on a ladder or stepladder;
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• do not use ladders or stepladders to carry out work that involves heavy or strenuous tasks. Use them only for quick, light work;
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• do not lean or place the ladder on fragile upper surfaces;
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• do not remain silent when you feel that someone is compromising your own safety or that of others.
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What are the legal obligations of the employer or company regarding working at height?

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Here's what their employers should do:

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• employers must ensure that they take all necessary measures to reduce the risk of falls for their workers;
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• they must further ensure that employees can safely travel to and from the region where they work at the height;
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• employers must provide measures for emergency evacuations and rescues;
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• When the work to be done is considered complex, you should provide more detail to those involved in the form of a method statement. This includes how the work should be done and how risks are managed,
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• protect your workers and your business by purchasing insurance designed for your needs;
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• finally, they must not allow incompetent workers to work at height;
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Some causes of accidents linked to working at height

\nIn recent years, accidents linked to working at height have increased considerably. Indeed, injuries and damage caused by people or objects can occur as a result of: \n

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• poor edge protection
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• unguarded openings
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• materials poorly stored or secured
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• work in areas without guardrails or covers.
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\nDangers can also arise from changing weather, both indoors and outdoors. Likewise, those who carry out ad hoc work at height without proper training, planning or equipment are also at risk. The same goes for members of the public who may be harmed by the activities of those working at height.\n