Working at height safety equipment is a significant factor in job-related injuries in Australia. Employee-falls from poorly secured rooftops and ladders is a major cause of major injuries. Working at height is one of the main areas of focus when it comes to safety awareness and training. In this post, we will explore some of the common mistakes people make in relation to working at heights.

Failing to assess risk

One of the most common mistakes employees in Australia make is the failure to assess the risks involved with the job. People assume that it is okay to cut corners and save money. However, this can result in serious injuries. It is important to do a risk assessment. Begin with the examination of the need to send an employee to a height that is potentially dangerous versus other solutions.

If there is no other way of doing the work instead of working at heights, you should work with a height safety equipment inspector to ensure that the equipment used is in proper working condition. You should also check the roof surface for inadequate support or holes that can lead to a fall.

Improper procedures

Ladder fall is a very common working at height injury. Proper safety procedures require you to ensure that ladders are secure using a ratchet strap and eye-bolt. Given that there are different types of ladders and height adjustment options, ladders require specialized training and you should use them alongside other forms of risk protection.

Failing to maintain safety equipment

The maintenance of height safety equipment should be consistent. Safety procedures in Australia should be applied to identify the people responsible for keeping the safety equipment in excellent working condition. You should document clearly the maintenance steps and test them to ensure that the equipment is checked regularly by a professional and deemed ready for the job.