The Importance of Height Safety Training: Protecting Workers and Companies

As we step into a brand-new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our professional goals and commitments. At the forefront of these should be the safety of our teams of workers, especially when it comes to work at height.

Working at height is among the most dangerous activities in various sectors, especially in construction, maintenance, and telecommunications. Unfortunately, insufficient training for working at height is still a common problem, resulting in serious repercussions for employees, management, and companies overall. Let’s delve into the essential elements of height safety training, covering the associated hazards and risks, as well as the significance of following correct procedures. It also emphasises how Leading Edge can assist in closing the training gap for working at heights.

The risks of insufficient height safety training

Insufficient height safety training presents risks not just for employees but also for management. For employees, inadequate training can result in falls from heights, which rank among the top causes of injuries and deaths on sites globally. Incorrect usage of safety equipment, like harnesses or anchor points, also heightens the chances of accidents. Additionally, poor hazard recognition, including the inability to identify unstable surfaces, adverse weather conditions, or improperly secured ladders also adds to the list when working at height.

Inadequate training can also lead to several serious issues for management, including legal repercussions. Companies might encounter lawsuits, penalties, or even criminal charges if they do not adhere to safety regulations. Incidents can harm a business’s reputation, impacting client confidence and future opportunities. Injuries or fatalities can bring projects to a standstill, resulting in delays and financial setbacks. With all this at stake, it’s in the company’s best interest to provide work-at-height training.

Other issues to consider when working at height

Aside from personal falls, falling objects pose a significant risk. Items or tools dropped from above can cause harm to individuals below. It’s therefore important for workers to take part in tool tethering training to ensure all tools and objects are secured correctly.

Structural failure is also an issue as this can result in casualties. If temporary structures on a construction site are not properly installed or maintained, platforms, scaffolding, or ladders can collapse. Weather conditions such as high winds, rain, or icy conditions can also heighten the risk of accidents.

The amount of time a worker is expected to work at height can pose dangers if not managed correctly. Prolonged work at height can lead to fatigue and dehydration, which can decrease concentration and increase the chance of errors.

Key safety practices for working at heights

To minimise the chances of accidents while working at heights, it’s important to follow these safety measures:

1. Detailed risk assessments: Management should assess potential hazards before starting work and create a plan to address them. Failing to implement robust height safety procedures can have devastating effects resulting in loss of life, increased costs, legal penalties and reduced morale among workers.
2. Comprehensive work at height training: Ensure that workers are trained to recognise hazards, operate equipment correctly, and follow safe work procedures.
3. Comprehensive training to correctly use height safety PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): This includes how to wear a safety harness, appropriate safety helmets, and fall protection gear to meet work-at-height safety standards.
4. Regular PPE inspections and structure checks: All workers should consistently inspect ladders, scaffolding, and PPE to ensure they are in good condition and suitable for the task in hand. If any damage is caused to any PPE, a worker should report it to management urgently and not proceed with the task at height.
5. Clear communication on site: Use radios, signage, or hand signals to keep everyone updated on the work plan and any potential hazards.
6. Emergency readiness: Develop single and multiple rescue plans for situations including falls and other emergencies at height. It only takes five minutes for the onset of suspension intolerance to change a life forever. With a comprehensive rescue plan in place, you can save a worker’s life before its too late.

What height is considered high risk?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but generally, work performed on a construction site at heights over 2 metres (6.6 feet) is often regarded as high risk. In various sectors, tasks that involve the use of fall protection systems or scaffolding are considered dangerous. It’s important to check local regulations, like the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines in the U.S. or the Health and Safety Executive in the UK to understand the specific height limits for high-risk work.

How Leading Edge can help

Leading Edge are committed to providing comprehensive height safety training and equipment, ensuring workers and companies meet the highest safety standards. Here’s how we can help:

1. Customisable working at height training courses: Our bespoke programs address specific industry needs, from construction to industrial maintenance. Being a training provider and safety product manufacturer helps us to understand the relationship between workers, work methods, equipment suitability and performance in ways that other companies can’t. whatever height access challenge you face, we draw from a wide range of technical expertise to help you find the very best access solutions. Leading Edge doesn’t just deliver a course. We work together to find the right work methods and equipment to take your team safely to the edge – based entirely on your personal needs and access requirements.
2. Expert height safety instructors: Our certified trainers have years of experience in height safety and can therefore provide hands-on learning and practical advice to all attendees.
3. Compliance with UK regulations: Leading Edge ensures that all training aligns with UK work at height safety standards.
4. On-site and HQ training options: Bespoke training solutions make it easy for businesses to provide safety education for their workforce. Leading Edge can train staff on-site across the UK or alternatively at our HQ based in Hertfordshire. We do not offer online work at height safety training courses due to their limitations.

Inadequate height safety training is not just a regulatory failure—it’s a moral and operational risk. Workers deserve to go home safely, and businesses have a duty to provide the training and tools they need to work at height without fear. Leading Edge bridges the gap, offering expert training and support to ensure every worker is equipped to perform their job safely and confidently.

View our specialist work at height courses.

This year, let’s prioritise safety by investing in comprehensive working at height training. It’s time to make every site a safer place.