Working at Height safety

scaffold installed at construction site for work at height

When you work more than 6 feet or 1.8 meters from the ground level and you need to climb with a helping tool to perform the work, it is called work at height.

Common Hazards

  1. Falling From height
    • A full-body harness is the best PPE to protect against falls from height.
  2. Falling Objects
    • Safety Helmet is the best PPE to protect the head from falling objects
  3. Insufficient PPEs
    • Always wear complete personal protective equipment to protect yourself from any type of hazard related to your body attachments.
  4. Ladder collapse
    • Before starting work, always check the ladder’s condition, installation position, and angle with the wall or any other object where the ladder is attached.
  5. Unstable working surface
    • Make sure your work surface is stable and easy to work on.
  6. Equipment failure
    • If the equipment you use while working fails, you should have an alternative piece of equipment that you can use in an emergency.
  7. Inadequate edges
    • Safety gloves and your tight working dress can protect you from inadequate edges.
  8. Scaffolding collapse
    • There are many reasons for the collapse of scaffolding. So each safety point should be checked before using scaffolding.
  9. Improper ladder positioning
    • Always install a leader under the working point so you can work with your comfortable body position.
  10. Overconfidence
    • Overconfidence can cause mistakes that are not acceptable while you work at height.

Other Hazards

  1. Weather and wind speed
  2. Fragile roofing
  3. Overload Ladders
  4. Lack of training
  5. Improper body position
  6. Work experience
  7. Height phobia
  8. Work Duration

Wind Speed

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), if the wind speed is above 23 MPH (10.3 ms or Beaufort scale 5), it’s likely that a worker could lose his balance.

Personal Safety

Safety is very important when you work at a height. Because there are so many risks and hazards associated with working at height.

  1. Workers should not be the patients of height phobia.
  2. The workers should be happy and in a good mood.
  1. Safety helmet
    • All parts of the safety helmets like the shell, harness, harness fixing, headband, sweatband, peak, and chin strip should be in good condition.
  2. Safety shoes
    • Safety shoes should be in good condition and there should be no chance of slipping.
  3. Full body harness
    • (Full body harness is a very necessary PPE while working at height)
    • All the parts and belts of the safety harness should be in good condition.
  4. Safety gloves

Here are some safety harnesses according to work conditions.

Fall Arrest
fall arrest body arness for safe working at height
Ascending/Descending
Ascending/Descending body harness for adjustable according to use.
Rescue/Confined space
Rescue and Confined space body harness.
Climbing
Climbing body harness for safe working at height
positioning
positioning body harness for safe working at height at a spacific position.
  • 1. Dorsal D-Ring for Fall Arrest.
  • 1. Sternal D-Ring for Fall Arrest. 
  • 1 Ventral D-Ring at waist level for Rope Access work
  • 2 Lateral D-Rings for Work Positioning.

According to OSHA Standard

  1. (4)Four feet in general industry workplaces
  2. (5)Five feet in shipyards
  3. (6)Six feet in the construction industry
  4. (8)Eight feet long shoring operations

Scaffolding is necessary for work that is performed at over 4 meters height.

  1. When you work at height use a scaffold or other safe source.
  2. Scaffolding pipes and clamps should be in good condition and not over-rusted or damaged.
  3. The base plate of the scaffold should be a hard surface. The surface should be able to carry the weight.
  4. The scaffold links should be in good condition and the nuts and bolts should be tightened properly.
  5. Fit the scaffold with the proper height-to-base ratio, the ratio is 4:1.
  6. Fit cross pipes with the proper shape of clamps to control the angular movement of the scaffold.
  7. The scaffold climbing frame should be in good condition and the gap between pipes should be proper for safe climbing.
  8. The sliding bar should be installed at 8 feet from the working platform of the scaffold. Other than 2 feet higher than a worker’s height.
  9. If the scaffold links are not properly tight or the clamps slip then make some welding spots on pipes under the clamps to prevent them from slipping.
  1. A wooden piece fit for support should be at the end edge of wooden planks to prevent slipping of wooden planks.
  2. The thickness of wooden planks should be according to the wood’s strength.
  3. The width of the wooden planks should be no less than 1 foot.
  4. There should not be knots and cracks on wooden planks and no paint. Because paint covers the knots and cracks that are not safe.
  5. There should be no bending or misalignment on wooden planks.
  6. There should be no gap of more than 1 to 2 inches between wooden planks. The planks should be parallel.
  7. The planks should be parallel.
  8. Try not to use seasoned wood planks. Because the seasoning process decreases the strength of the wood.

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The Importance of PPE and Its Uses

PPEs with safety belt

The importance of PPE and its uses is to improve occupational safety. It is important to know about the personal protective equipment PPE and its uses. Always remember “Be first safe then work”. Safety is important for each work and the responsibility of each worker. A worker doesn’t have to know how to complete this work. It’s important to know how to complete the job safely so that the workers can save themselves and others from hazards.

  • Systematic Approach: Ensures all potential hazards are reviewed.
  • Customization: Allows tailoring to specific industries or jobs.
  • Compliance: Helps meet regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA standards).
  • Efficiency: Streamlines PPE selection and training processes.

By following the matrix, employers can ensure that their workers are adequately protected while promoting safety and compliance in the workplace.

Specifically, when we work in a factory we face many hazards like acidic liquids, hazards of machines, and fire hazards. In this case, if we do not use PPE it could be dangerous for us and cause death or serious injury. Our body parts could be partially or completely affected.

When we discuss PPE and its uses, showing details of PPE is very necessary

Our head is the most sensitive and fragile part of our body. Serious injuries to the head can cause death. In workplaces where hazards of something falling, something hitting, and standing or sitting in narrow spaces can cause a head injury, the helmet is very necessary in these cases. Make it your habit while working in hazardous places.
(For more details about safety helmets)

safety helmets colors code according to designation

In all places where hazards of fluff, dust, and smoke, the face mask is very necessary.
In all places where hazards of dangerous gases, chemical vaporization, and fumes, the gas mask is very necessary.
There are two types of gas masks:
1. Full face mask 2. Half face mask.
(for more details about masks)

While working on machines always wear fitting, coverall, and active wear clothes. A loose dress can be dangerous while working on a machine that has moving parts. For this type of work, always wear the company’s recommended dress. (For more details about coverall)

That’s why our hands are more related to our work so our hands face more hazards and could be injured. The hazards that affect our hands like sharp edges, crashes between two parts, burning by heat, chemical reactions, and electric shocks are common in industries and homes. To protect our hands from these hazards, use appropriate gloves according to the work. (For more details about safety gloves)

While working to protect your foot from the hazards of hitting parts and pouring hot melts and chemical hazards, always wear safety shoes. There are several types of safety shoes according to workplace risk assessment there are available in the market.
1. Metal toe shoes for mechanical work
2. Long rubber shoes for chemical work
3. Rubber shoes for electric work
(For more details about safety shoes)

While we are working, our eyes continuously open and focus on the working point, that’s why our eyes face some serious hazards. Always wear safety goggles or face shields, which should be used according to work conditions. Like:
1. Face shield or colored goggles for welding work
2. Closed goggles for chemical handling
3. Face shield for grinding and cutting
(For more details about spectacles and goggles)

In a workplace where the noise and noise can affect the ears, the ear plug or ear muff is very important to wear. If the noise frequency is 85 decibels then ear plugs and ear muffs are necessary to wear. The ear plug or ear muff is recommended by the doctor after Audiometric tests.
(For more details about ear plug/ear muff)

A safety belt is a specific-shaped belt cross with a long strap with a metal hook. While working at more than 6 feet in height, the hook is gripped to a stationary bar or other object for safety in case it slips. It saves the worker from falling to the floor. The length of the belt should be less than your height. (For more details about safety belts)

In workplaces where there is less oxygen and the risk of hazardous gases, SCBA is very necessary for workers for artificial breathing. For example, storage tanks, trenches, ducts, vessels, etc. SCBA saves the worker from some unexpected incidents. (For more details about SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)

PPE means Personal Protective Equipment. PPEs are physical objects that you use to protect yourself from hazards. PPEs protect your body parts while working in hazardous workplaces. Safety helmets protect your head, safe shoes protect your feet and gloves protect your hands. The importance of PPE and its uses are described in detail above.

4 types of PPE to protect your main 4 body parts.

  1. Safety helmet for head safety.
  2. Safe shoes for foot safety.
  3. Gloves for hand safety.
  4. Goggles/face shield for eye safety.
A worker highlights body parts according to PPEs for related body part.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are items you can wear/use to protect your body against various hazards. Without PPEs, any incident can affect your body in case of injury or disability. PPEs are important because they prepare you for health and safety risks and give you extra protection and mental satisfaction in the event of an accident or against the elements.

The OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.132 presents PPEs for industry workers

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) according to regulation 29 CFR 1910.132. PPEs are very essential in the general industry for the protection of employees. PPE and its user training are also held by OSHA.

  1. Construction Site Workers PPEs
    • Safety helmet, safety shoes, gloves, masks, Harness.
  2. Chemical worker PPE.
    • face shields, gloves, glasses, goggles, gowns, head coverings, masks, respirators, or shoe covers.
  3. Machine Operator PPEs
    • gloves, glasses, goggles, gowns, helmets, masks, respirators, or shoe covers.
  4. Mechanical worker PPEs
    • Cotton gloves, Safety helmets, Safety shoes, and masks.
  5. Hot work PPEs
    • face shields, welding gloves, welding goggles, masks, and safety shoes.
  6. Grinding work PPEs
    • face shields, gloves, glasses and goggles, masks, and safety shoes.
  7. Electrical worker PPEs
    • Electric gloves, Rubber mate, Rubber shoes, masks.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

  1. Safety shoes
  2. Safety helmet
  1. Face Shield
  2. Glasses and goggles
  3. Black glass welding face shield
  1. Start wearing safety shoes.
    • Don’t wear torn shoes.
  2. Then wear a safety helmet.
    • Don’t use a Brocken chin-strip helmet.
  3. Wear gloves as per the required type.
    • Don’t use torn or heavily contaminated gloves

Training Description: This training covers the general requirements for Personal Protective Equipment. The importance of PPE is the slogan of our training.

  1. Mechanical PPEs
    • Steel toe safety shoes and appropriate gloves and helmet with chin strap.
  2. Electrical PPEs
    • shock-protective and arc-resistant (AR) clothing. * Maintain, inspect, and test electrical PPE.
  3. Chemical PPE.

Every trainer focuses on the importance of PPE and its

Employers Must Pay for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Employees Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety Signs Color Code

  1. Mandatory signs are blue
  2. Prohibition and fire safety signs are red
  3. The warning signs are yellow
  4. first aid and emergency exit signs are green

Apron color code

  1. The first aider’s apron is green
  2. The firefighter’s apron is red.
  3. The floor warden’s apron is yellow.

Safety Helmet Color Code

  1. Yellow for Construction site workers and heavy-duty operators
  2. White for site engineer, supervisor, and visitors
  3. Blue for mechanics and machine operators
  4. Red for firefighters
  5. Green for safety officers and health and environment engineers.
  6. Orange for Smith worker and welder

Cotton gloves, Nitrile gloves, Neoprene gloves, Rubber gloves, welding gloves, Electric gloves, etc…

First, remove aprons or body harnesses. Second, remove goggles or face shields. Third, remove the safety helmet. Fourth, remove gloves and wash your hands with soap. At last, remove the safety shoes.

Approns or shoes cover or body harnesses and even safety helmets. For this, they should be trained in PPE and its uses.

The Importance of a Safety and Well-being Wall in Your Workplace

What is a safe and well-being wall?

The Safety and Well-being Wall is a wall in your workplace like industries, multinational companies, and offices. The EHS department assigns this wall. Notices are posted on this wall to provide information, give instructions, and be aware.

Examples of this wall

When we go to the city, we see different places where people assign the wall as a charity wall. People put their unneeded things in front of this wall or hang them on the wall’s hanger. As in hospitals and dispensaries, a wall is assigned for a health wall. They are creating awareness about health issues. In industries, a wall is assigned for the safety and well-being wall. for awareness of workers’ safety and safety status.

Type of WallLocationsKey Elements
Charity WallDifferent places in the cityUnused items for people that another person can easily pick from here.
Health WallHospitals and DispensariesPosters on health issues
Awareness WallDifferent Stations like airports, railways, etc.Sessional disease information, safety threats, etc.
Information WallStations, call centers, media houses, etc.Information for employees, visitors, and contractors
Safety and well-being wallIndustries and factoriesSafety awareness and safety items for industry workers

The Importance of Prioritizing Employee Safety and Well-being

Employees are the main strength of the Industry to make it functional. The safety and well-being of employees is very important and a reasonable action. Providing PPE and safety gear is the responsibility of employers for the betterment of work and efficiency.

Key Elements to Include in Your Safety and Well-being Wall

Key elements and posters are available related to workplace safety conditions and the nature of work. Different work conditions or departments have different elements and posters to be aware of for the safety of employees.

Posters and key elements of Safety and Well-being Wall.

Notices and Posters

  1. Awareness of emergencies.
  2. Information about (PPE) personal protection equipment
  3. Emergency Response Team (ERT) members.
  4. Use of fire extinguishers according to fire type.
  5. First aid kit and procedure to use first aid kit items.
  6. Emergency contact numbers for government and industry EHS departments.
  7. The workers’ management council team and the latest update about this council.
  8. Details of WMC (Workers Management Council) meetings and progress report.
  9. Results of gamba walks, like safety gamba walk, 5S gamba walk and energy gamba walk.
  10. Audit reports, like internal and external audit reports.

The notice about safety, security, meetings, and minutes of meetings.

Key Elements of the Safety Wall and Well-being Wall

  1. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) box
  2. First aid kit with user instructions
  3. Fire blanket
  4. Complaint box with complaint procedure
  5. Notice board
  6. List of ERT (Emergency Response Team) members

Location/selection of the safety wall.


The selection of a safety wall is a significant factor because you want to convey your message to each employee. The entrance point is a commonly important point for the notice board. A wide area should be available in front of the safety and well-being wall. To easily stand for employees. While they read and understand the safety wall’s posters and key elements.

Importance of the Safety Wall.

Safety and well-being wall in industries and offices.
Health and wellness walls in hospitals and dispensaries.
Charity walls in societies and around cities.