Introduction
Working at heights is one of the most hazardous activities in the construction industry. Every year, many workers are injured or killed because of falls from heights, dropped objects, or contact with overhead power lines. These accidents not only cause human suffering and loss, but also affect the productivity, reputation, and profitability of the construction sector. Therefore, it is essential for employers and employees to understand and comply with the legal and ethical obligations regarding working at heights.
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) of 1993, employers have a duty to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees and to take reasonable steps to prevent accidents and injuries. The OHSA also empowers the Minister of Labour to make regulations for specific industries or activities that pose particular risks or challenges. One of these regulations is the Construction Regulations 2014, which are part of the OHSA and apply to all construction work in South Africa.
The Construction Regulations 2014 provide specific requirements and guidelines for working at heights in the construction sector. They cover aspects such as risk assessment, fall prevention and protection, dropped object prevention, overhead power line avoidance, training and supervision, emergency and rescue procedures, and record keeping. The aim of these regulations is to ensure that working at heights is done safely and in accordance with the best practices and standards.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the main dangers of working at heights and how to comply with the Construction Regulations 2014 to ensure safety and compliance.
Falls from Heights
Falls from heights are the leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries in the construction industry. Falls can occur from ladders, scaffolds, roofs, platforms, or any other elevated work area. Some of the common causes of falls include:
- Lack of proper fall protection equipment or systems
- Improper use or maintenance of fall protection equipment or systems
- Inadequate training or supervision of workers
- Unstable or slippery work surfaces
- Overreaching or losing balance
- Human error or negligence
The Construction Regulations 2014 require employers to conduct a risk assessment before any work at height is performed and to implement appropriate fall prevention or protection measures based on the level of risk. Some of the possible measures include:
- Eliminating the need to work at height by using alternative methods or equipment
- Providing safe access and egress to and from the work area
- Installing guardrails, barriers, or covers around the edges or openings of the work area
- Using safety nets, harnesses, lanyards, or other personal fall arrest systems
- Providing adequate training and instruction to workers on how to use fall protection equipment or systems
- Inspecting and maintaining fall protection equipment or systems regularly
- Establishing emergency procedures and rescue plans in case of a fall
Dropped Objects
Dropped objects are another major hazard associated with working at heights. Dropped objects can include tools, materials, equipment, or debris that fall from an elevated work area and strike workers or bystanders below. Dropped objects can cause serious injuries such as fractures, concussions, or even death.
Some of the common causes of dropped objects include:
- Poor housekeeping or storage of items on the work area
- Lack of proper securing or tethering of items on the work area
- Improper handling or lifting of items on the work area
- Wind, vibration, or impact forces that dislodge items from the work area
- Human error or negligence
The Construction Regulations 2014 require employers to take measures to prevent or minimize the risk of dropped objects from working at heights. Some of the possible measures include:
- Using toolboxes, bags, belts, or other containers to store items on the work area
- Using lanyards, cords, chains, or other devices to secure items on the work area
- Using nets, screens, canopies, or other barriers to catch or deflect falling items
- Marking and cordoning off the area below the work area and restricting access to unauthorized persons
- Wearing hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) when working below an elevated work area
- Communicating and coordinating with other workers on the work area and below
Contact with Overhead Power Lines
Contact with overhead power lines is another potential danger of working at heights. Contact with live wires can cause electric shock, burns, fire, explosion, or electrocution. Some of the common causes of contact with overhead power lines include:
- Lack of awareness or visibility of overhead power lines
- Working too close or touching overhead power lines
- Using metal ladders, scaffolds, tools, equipment, or materials near overhead power lines
- Extending booms, cranes, hoists, or other devices near overhead power lines
- Human error or negligence
The Construction Regulations 2014 require employers to identify and assess the presence and location of overhead power lines before any work at height is performed and to take measures to avoid contact with them. Some of the possible measures include:
- Obtaining information and permission from the relevant authority or utility company regarding overhead power lines
- Marking and maintaining a safe distance and clearance from overhead power lines
- De-energizing or isolating overhead power lines if possible
- Using non-conductive ladders, scaffolds, tools, equipment, or materials near overhead power lines
- Using warning signs, flags, tapes, or other devices to indicate overhead power lines
- Providing adequate training and instruction to workers on how to avoid contact with overhead power lines
- Establishing emergency procedures and first aid measures in case of contact with overhead power lines
Conclusion
Working at heights is a high-risk activity that requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. By complying with the Construction Regulations 2014 and implementing effective safety measures, employers can reduce the dangers of working at heights and protect their workers and the public from harm. Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility, and it starts with you.
Contact us today for assistance on Fall Risk Assessments, fall protection plans, training and implementing procedures done by our experts! Contact SHERQ Risk Solutions at www.sherqrisksolutions.co.za or email
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Stan Dismore