It’s a phrase we often hear: “safety first.” However, until recently, this concept wasn’t widely embraced by many of the thousands of workers in the UK who operate at heights, along with the companies that hire them.
It’s not that these workers and employers were intentionally neglecting safety; rather, it was an aspect that often went overlooked until a tragic accident occurred, resulting in injury or loss of life. Nowadays working safely at height is much more common, largely due to the standardisation of safety regulations and guidelines.
Taking it a step further, ensuring the safe use of hand tools at height is just as crucial as protecting the workers themselves. Recent statistics from the UK government reveal that many individuals suffer injuries each year due to accidents on a construction site, with some tragically losing their lives as a result. This highlights the importance of companies involved in height-related work, as well as their employees, being aware of safe practices when using hand tools in elevated situations.
UK law mandates that all companies working at height take every precaution possible to prevent dropped tools. This may include, but is not limited to, safety nets, footplates, tool lanyards, enclosed platforms, and secured tool bags and boxes. Thankfully, there are enough options available to make it relatively easy for anyone to secure any type of tool without being hindered in its use. It’s simply a matter of knowing what’s appropriate for each hand tool.
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To ensure the safe use of hand tools at height, the first step is to evaluate the risks present at the job site. This is not just a matter of common sense; it’s also a legal requirement. By identifying the potential hazards in the area where you’ll be working, you can create a tailored safety plan and system that fits the specific conditions. Your assessment should also include the types of tools that will be utilised by workers and the specific risks associated with each tool.
For example, if a particular carpentry job will require the worker to use a hammer at height 20% of the time he is on the job, that’s significant. The hammer needs to be secured to prevent it from falling yet still be readily available and easy to use. The system should prioritize safety and efficiency to prevent accidents, allowing the worker to perform their duties effectively. These are crucial factors to keep in mind when it comes to safely using hand tools while working at heights.
It’s crucial not to underestimate the significance of worker awareness in ensuring safety. Those working at heights must stay vigilant about their environment and any potential changes that could occur rapidly. For instance, if there’s a chance of bad weather during their shift, workers should be informed so they can monitor the situation and predict when a storm may arise. This proactive approach enables them to prioritise their own safety effectively.
Worker awareness goes beyond just the initial setup of safety harnesses or tool belts; it includes the everyday actions of using and moving tools. It’s essential for workers to consistently know the location of their tools, the positioning of lanyards in relation to other equipment, and to ensure that tools are being utilised correctly. Those who stay mindful of their surroundings are generally more inclined to work safely compared to those who are disengaged.
“Workers who are aware of what’s going on around them are more like to be safe working at height than those who pay no attention.”
One aspect that frequently gets neglected in discussions about safely using hand tools at heights is the comfort of the workers. While we might hope that diligent workers will always prioritise safety, even in uncomfortable situations, that’s not always the case. In reality, research indicates that fatigued and uncomfortable workers are more prone to making mistakes and taking unnecessary risks as the day progresses. To minimise this kind of behaviour, it’s essential to create safety systems and work environments that promote both comfort and efficiency for the workers.
To ensure that workers are comfortable, it’s crucial to accurately assess the length of lanyards that attach tools to tool belts before they head out to the job site. This assessment can be easily conducted at ground level by watching the workers use the tools in a manner similar to how they would at height. By performing these ground-level evaluations, you can figure out the appropriate lanyard lengths, the best connection points on a tool belt or harness, and whether a holster is necessary. When done correctly, this approach can significantly reduce frustration for your workers throughout their day.
“In order to be safe in the workplace be sure that everyone contributing to the project does his or her job correctly. “
Regular tool inspections are just as crucial for workplace safety as the lanyards and other safety systems that secure them. For instance, even the most robust lanyard and karabiner won’t be effective if the ring they connect to is corroded and damaged. If a small amount of pressure can cause that ring to snap while the worker is using the tool, it poses an immediate risk. That’s why it’s important to check tools thoroughly before starting work each day.
A formal inspection is required to cover all tools and safety equipment, as mandated by law for companies. The inspector will certify items that meet the standards and provide a list of those that do not. Job site supervisors are responsible for addressing any issues highlighted in the inspector’s report. This process always involves ensuring that the tools used are suitable for their intended tasks, as using the wrong tools can result in errors and potentially cause accidents.
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Ensuring safety when using tools at height is a team effort that involves workers, supervisors, company owners, and inspectors. When everyone plays their part effectively, the risks associated with safety are significantly lowered. However, if even one individual fails to do their job properly, it can lead to a range of negative outcomes. To maintain a safe work environment, it’s essential that everyone involved in the project fulfils their responsibilities correctly.
Leading Edge is a UK based height safety training provider and PPE manufacturer. From small teams to multinational blue-chips, we empower people to work safely at height across a wide range of industries. Copyright 2024 Leading Edge Safety. Devloped by Czargroup Technologies
