Working safely at height - employer and employee responsibilities

Employer's responsibility in ensuring safety at height

Every employer has a duty to ensure safe working conditions, in line with health and safety principles, regardless of the difficulties workers may face when performing their tasks at a great height. It is important to minimise the occurrence of accidents and injuries - which is why both individual and collective protective equipment is so important. The responsibility lies with the employer, but the worker also needs to know his or her rights and responsibilities to ensure his or her safety. Let's take a closer look at the rules for working at height and the requirements for both workers and employers.

Working safely at height - requirements and risks

Working at height carries a high degree of risk, so those doing it should meet certain requirements. In addition to the rules set by the employer, the worker must comply with statutory requirements. A worker performing tasks at height must meet three basic requirements - to be of legal age, to have a current medical certificate confirming that there are no contraindications to the job and to have completed safety training. 

The worker should be familiar with the risk assessment and the procedures in place at the workplace, and use appropriate personal protective equipment such as helmets or harnesses. It is also important that he or she demonstrates sound judgement and responsibility, as even one seemingly small mistake can have tragic consequences. According to the National Labour Inspectorate, one in six fatal accidents at work is a fall from height, half of which involve construction workers. These figures underline the importance of staying safe at height. 

Employer's obligations in the context of safety at height

Employers have a key duty of care to ensure the safety of their employees and, in the case of work at height, this duty becomes particularly important. Due to the increased risks associated with working at height, it is essential that workers are supervised at all times. In the construction industry, supervision of the safety of workers at height is usually carried out by the site manager, who is responsible for ensuring that health and safety rules are followed within the team. It is also important that workers who work at height have adequate belaying and support from colleagues, which increases safety levels and avoids accidents. 

The employer should also provide personal protective equipment, such as helmets or harnesses, and provide appropriate training on their use. In addition, it is important that workplaces are properly marked and that workers are aware of health and safety procedures. Work at height must be well planned to avoid the risk of falls. Where suitable barriers cannot be installed, protection measures must be adapted to the prevailing conditions. It is also worth bearing in mind that many accidents are due to inappropriate worker behaviour and lack of proper training, highlighting the importance of effective organisation and compliance with safety rules.

Working at height in everyday life

Activities associated with working at height can be described as jobs carried out at an elevation or work carried out at heights. They concern specialised workplaces, but also occur in everyday surroundings, for example during domestic work. Work at height is particularly common in the construction industry, where it often occurs during:

• construction, extension, renovation and demolition of various buildings, industrial halls, bridges, chimneys and other structures; 
• thermo-modernisation of residential buildings, 
• any work using scaffolding and ladders, 
• roof repairs and snow clearance, 
• Maintenance and repair of poles, silos, boilers, tanks, machinery and equipment; technical.

A major element of the professions listed is fall protection, as this hazard is real and cannot be underestimated. This includes any activity that requires the worker to be above ground level, such as ladders, scaffolding, masts, ramps or chimneys.

How to improve safety and stability when working at height

When carrying out tasks on ladders, scaffolding and other elevations, it is important to adapt the appropriate working conditions. When working at heights of less than two metres, when no leaning or unnatural positions are required, it is crucial to increase the stability and strength of the equipment used. Ladders and scaffolding must be adequately secured to avoid shifting, as well as able to withstand the anticipated load. In the case of platforms, their surface area must be sufficient to accommodate workers and tools, and have clear markings for the maximum load. The surface should be level and securely fastened.

Working on scaffolding above two metres requires additional precautions, including allowing safe communication and structural stability. Scaffolding must be technically inspected in accordance with the regulations before work begins. When working on poles, chimneys or other structures without ceilings, they require a thorough inspection of the condition of the equipment being used. Workers must use full protective equipment, including safety harnesses, belay ropes and safety helmets. All of these rules are designed to minimise the risk of falls and create conditions for elevated work.

Working at height - hazards and employer's liability

Working on an elevation carries significant risks that can lead to serious accidents and injuries, or even tragic consequences. Employers therefore have a duty to provide appropriate safeguards to protect their employees from serious injury. A key element of this is the provision of collective protection equipment and individual protection in the form of, for example, protective clothing, as well as carrying out regular health and safety training. Aiming to reduce the risk of accidents is vital, and this is reflected in the legislation governing working at height, which clearly sets out the requirements for working at height.

FAQ:

What are the employer's responsibilities in the work of a mountaineer?

The employer has a duty to guarantee safe working conditions, which includes, among other things, providing appropriate personal protective equipment such as helmets, harnesses and conducting health and safety training. In addition, the employer should have supervision of workers and plan work accordingly to minimise the risk of accidents.

What requirements must employees meet?

Employees carrying out work at height must be of legal age, have a current medical certificate confirming that there are no contraindications to working at height and have completed health and safety training. In addition, they must comply with occupational risk assessments and applicable health and safety procedures.

What safeguards to use when working at height?

Workers should use safety helmets, harnesses, safety harnesses and belay ropes. Depending on the nature of the work, other protective equipment such as non-slip footwear may also be required.

How to ensure safety when working on scaffolding?

Scaffolding must be stable, adequately secured and technically approved before work begins. In addition, the surface of the platforms must be level, securely fixed and marked, and workers should use full protective equipment.