Common Myths About Height Safety Debunked

15 Feb Common Myths About Height Safety Debunked

Did you know that there are around 37 worker fatalities every single year as a result of falling from height?

With a large number of industries requiring work at height, particularly construction and maintenance, safety should be a critical concern. Even so, misunderstandings about safety measures and whether they’re appropriate can (and do) occur, leading to serious accidents and fatalities.

Here, we’ve taken a closer look at some of the common myths around height safety and debunked them.

The Australian Height Safety Services team is more than equipped to handle all of your needs when it comes to height safety equipment in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne (plus all major cities). We provide design, installation, servicing, and certification of various height safety equipment and fall prevention systems – contact us for more information.

Myth: It’s a two-minute job, I don’t need fall protection equipment

No matter how quickly the task can be completed, workers must use height safety equipment. Accidents can happen in seconds – all it takes is one wrong step or momentary lapse in concentration. Whether workers will be on the roof for 2 minutes, 20 minutes, or 2 hours, the fall risk is the same.

According to OH&S regulations, employers are required to ensure that compliant fall protection equipment is provided and that a risk assessment and rescue plan are in place before work commences.

Read related article: The Australian Regulations for Height Safety Compliance

Myth: The job is only a few feet off the ground, I don’t need fall protection equipment

You might be surprised to learn that most falls occur from relatively low heights. Even though workers may only be a few metres off the ground, a fall could still result in serious injury and appropriate measures must be taken.

According to regulations, working at height refers to any situation where a person could fall a distance that is liable to cause personal injury (if precautions are not taken).

Myth: My personal protective equipment (PPE) was inspected last week, I don’t need to inspect it again

A pre-use check should be performed before use. This generally consists of a visual inspection, looking for any signs of damage or deterioration. If any issues are found, the PPE should not be used until it has been marked as compliant by a certified specialist.

Australian Height Safety Services recommends having all PPE used for working at height fully tested for compliance every 12 months. It’s also important to remember that each piece has its own unique lifespan; once a component has reached its lifespan it will need to be replaced, regardless of whether it appears in good condition or not.

Myth: I can react quickly, so can minimise injury in the event of a fall

Did you know that it takes around 6 metres for your brain to completely register that you have fallen? By this time, it will be almost physically impossible for you to stop the fall. And this is assuming you’re even conscious when the fall occurs.

Regardless of their perceived reaction times, workers must use properly fitted and compliant fall protection equipment when working at height.

Myth: I’ll save money by not investing in fall protection equipment

Some businesses have tried to cut costs by skimping on fall protection equipment. While you’ll certainly save in the short-term, it could be incredibly costly in the long run. In the event of a fall accident, you could face serious financial and even legal repercussions, from compensation claims and fines to potential prison time.

Ensuring that workers are provided with appropriate height safety equipment in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane is not only a legal obligation – it’s a sound financial decision for your business.

Myth: Fall protection is the responsibility of the contractor

Building owners often assume that external contractors are solely responsible for their own safety (or that of their workers).

While they must certainly follow relevant safety protocols, it’s important to remember that building owners have a duty of care to ensure that the working environment complies with safety standards. This includes the provision of suitable barriers and anchor points to complement the equipment used by the external contractor.

Read related article: An Ultimate Guide to Height Safety & Fall Protection

Keep Workers Safe at Height with AHSS

It’s important to ensure that any workers required to work at height are not misinformed about the regulations in place to protect them. These myths – and many others – are far too common on worksites around the country, increasing the likelihood of a fall and serious injury or even fatality occurring.

The knowledgeable team at Australian Height Safety Services can provide fall protection equipment that meets and even exceeds regulations, ensuring that working at height can be undertaken safely. If you need fall safety equipment in Melbourne, Brisbane, or Sydney, contact us today.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR HEIGHT SAFETY SERVICES 1300 941 211