Height Safety Challenges in Spring and how to tackle them!

Spring is here, and with it comes warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours. But for those who work at heights, this season also brings its own set of height safety challenges and safety hurdles. With the weather being unpredictable, it’s crucial for workers to stay vigilant to avoid falls and prevent any objects from being dropped.

In this blog, we’ll explore common height safety challenges in spring and provide solutions on how to address them effectively.

Unpredictable Weather and Height Safety

Spring weather can be quite erratic, with clear skies rapidly giving way to heavy rain, strong winds, or even late-season snowfall. These abrupt shifts can lead to slippery surfaces, decreased visibility, and an increased likelihood of tools or materials falling.

Solution:

Site managers need to perform a daily visual check of the site from the ground. Any safety hazards found, like broken equipment or unsafe working conditions, must be resolved before any work begins.

All equipment and tools on site must be secured. Strong winds can easily displace materials, posing risks to workers below. Utilising the use of tool tethers and tool lanyards will prevent items from falling. There’s also specialist tethers for phones, hard hats, and water bottle holsters to ensure nothing accidentally drops.

Sites should monitor weather conditions. It’s advisable to regularly check daily forecasts and schedule high-risk activities during periods of stable weather. Workers should also be provided with and wear the correct PPE for wet weather conditions. This might include non-slip footwear, waterproof clothing, and appropriate harnesses and height safety gear for wet conditions.

Lastly, an emergency action plan should be implemented on site. Within this plan, a clear evacuation strategy for sudden storms or high winds should be established. All members of the team also need to be fully aware of the plan, learning how to secure the site then evacuate in case of a storm.

Height Safety Training Refreshers

Following winter, employees might not be fully up to speed with essential fall protection practices. A lack of recent training can lead to mistakes when working at height.

Solution:

Organise mandatory regular training sessions on height safety, covering topics such as correct harness usage, anchor points, and rescue procedures for heights. You should also highlight the significance of Tool Tethering by educating workers on how to securely fasten tools to avoid accidents caused by falling objects.

Foster a culture that encourages workers to voice safety concerns to management and promote mentorship opportunities between seasoned and newer employees. 

Equipment Maintenance from Winter

Safety harnesses, anchor points, scaffolding, and ladders may have experienced deterioration from winter elements.

Solution:

To address this concern, all sites should conduct regular PPE inspections to assess fall protection equipment, ensuring that harnesses and lanyards are undamaged. Any worn equipment must be replaced.

Longer Days, Higher Fatigue, and Increased Fall Risk

Extended daylight hours often lead to longer work shifts, increasing worker fatigue. When employees are tired, they are more likely to make errors, such as misusing fall protection equipment or neglecting to secure their tools properly.

Solution:

To address the challenges of longer workdays, several strategies can be implemented. Scheduling regular breaks in shaded or sheltered areas can help alleviate fatigue and refresh workers throughout the day. It’s also important to encourage all employees to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly and to eat nutritious meals to sustain their focus and energy. Finally, rotating tasks among workers can help minimise repetitive strain and reduce mental fatigue.

Implementing height safety training, maintaining fall protection equipment, and utilising tool tethers are essential steps to prevent accidents and protect workers as they gear up for the year ahead.

Gravity never sleeps. So neither do we. Contact us for more information.