“Temporary workplaces, especially those involving work at heights, require stringent safety measures to protect workers from potential hazards. The importance of safety at such sites cannot be overstated, as the risks involved can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Here’s a short reminder for employers regarding safety measures and obligations according to Estonian and EU legislation.”
According to Government Regulation No. 13 of the Republic of Estonia and the EU Directive on the use of work equipment, employers are required to provide appropriate work equipment for their employees. The selection of equipment should take into account the nature of the work, working conditions, and the physical and mental capabilities of the user. Furthermore, employers must ensure that the work equipment is used properly and enables ergonomically correct movements and positions.
Please consider the following guidelines for working at heights:
- When working at a height of at least 2 meters above the ground, it is considered temporary height work. If temporary height work cannot be done safely, in ergonomically suitable conditions, or on a suitable surface, it is important to choose the most suitable tools to ensure safe working conditions.
- Work tools should match the nature of the task and the expected load, and their arrangement should allow safe access to the workplace. When selecting the means to access temporary workplaces at a height, consider the frequency of movement, the workplace’s height, and the duration of use.
- If ladders are used, they should provide a firm hold, even when carrying items. Ladders should only be used as a workplace in exceptional cases when the use of safer work equipment is not justified due to low risk, short duration, or unchangeable local conditions.
- Workers must be able to secure themselves while working on ladders and are limited to 30 minutes at a time or a third of the workday. Standing higher than the third rung from the top of the ladder is prohibited.
Before you start the work, check the following:
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before any work begins, a thorough risk assessment must be conducted. This involves identifying potential hazards, evaluating the risks associated with them, and determining the necessary control measures to mitigate those risks. The nature of the work, the conditions of the worksite, and the physical and mental capabilities of the workers must all be taken into account.
Read Additionally, read more about Risk Assessment or order our course and prepare your RA with our experts.
Selection of Appropriate Work Equipment
The choice of work equipment is crucial. It must be suitable for the nature of the work, the expected load, and the working conditions. For work at heights, this includes scaffolding, ladders, ropes, or other similar temporary devices. The equipment must allow safe access to the workplace and facilitate an ergonomic working posture.
Use of Protective Measures
Depending on the type of work equipment chosen, appropriate safety measures must be determined by the employer. This may involve the use of personal protective equipment as helmets and collective protective equipment such as guardrails and safety nets that cover the entire hazard area but still allow access to ladders or stairs.
Training
Training and ladder inspections Workers must be adequately informed about the risks related to their tasks and receive proper training. This includes understanding the specific qualifications or skills required for the job. It is also possible to order internal training for your team*
Audit
Additionally, ladders should be checked by the employer on a regular basis and by the employee each time before using a ladder. Inspection records must be available for employees. Regular audits and inspections of ladders are crucial to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. By following these audit requirements, employers can help ensure that ladders are safe to use and that they comply with relevant safety regulations. Here are the key requirements for ladder audits:
1) Pre-Use Checks:
3) Detailed Visual Inspections:
3) Inspection Criteria:
4) Compliance with Standards:
5) Maintenance and Storage:
More about the key components of a health check for individuals who work at height you can find out on our Course
Health Check
For employees who work at heights, specific health assessments may be required. Working at heights carries significant risks, and it is essential to verify the health and fitness of employees. By conducting thorough health assessments, employers can ensure that workers are physically and mentally capable of managing the demands of working at height. This helps to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Certain health conditions may make it unsafe for individuals to work at heights. You can learn more about the types of health assessments and conditions that typically disqualify someone from performing such tasks in our COURSE.
Reporting
Ensuring ladder safety is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. What are the steps to follow when reporting ladder safety issues, especially in case of damage or a work accident as well as Components of a Work Accident Report you can find out on our course or by ordering internal training for your team.
Check additionally our Work Accident investigation course description.
Feel free to ask for advice or training!
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