19 Mar The Importance of Regular Height Safety Training for Your Team
Working at height is one of the most dangerous activities in any workplace – and one that thousands of Australian workers find themselves in daily. It’s a common occurrence in many industries (like construction, utilities, and telecommunication), but it does carry significant risks and dangers. Proper training for all affected workers is a must for ensuring their safety.
Since being founded in 2001, Australian Height Safety Services has developed a reputation as being expert in height safety and fall prevention. We supply and install a wide range of height safety equipment, from fall arrest systems to roof access hatches, and provide instructions on their correct use.
Is Working at Height Really That Dangerous?
‘Working at height’ is a term that is used to describe work undertaken in a location where, if a worker is not appropriately secured, they could fall a distance that is likely to cause personal injury (or even death). We’re not just talking about skyscrapers and cranes – even a fall from a house rooftop or ladder can have dire consequences.
Some of the risks of working at height include equipment failure, falling objects, instability, and weather conditions. Even a minor oversight could have deadly repercussions, such as a poorly secured safety harness or a misstep on a slippery scaffold.
Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Statistics
The statistics don’t lie – in Australia, falls from height are a significant cause of workplace injury and death. In fact, from 2018 to 2020, there were 122 fatalities as a result of a fall. As well as the emotional impact such an incident has on your team, not to mention their family and friends, there is a financial impact on your business that needs to be considered (including compensation, legal battles, and productivity loss).
Understanding the Importance of Training
Think of training as your first line of defence against height-related accidents. It ensures that your workers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the potential risks, use provided height safety equipment correctly, and respond to emergencies. An untrained worker is not only a danger to themselves – they’re a danger to everyone.
Benefits of Regular Height Safety Training
Ensuring that your workers receive regular training for working at height offers a number of benefits, both to your business as a whole as well as to the wellbeing of individual workers.
- Reduced risk of accidents and injuries, as training helps workers understand the associated risks and develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as safely as possible.
- Improved productivity, as workers are less likely to be injured (which often results in time off work to recover) and will be able to stay on top of tasks and projects.
- Reduced liability, as there will be less likelihood of an accident occurring at your premises when working at height (which can save you money and bolster your reputation).
What Sorts of Topics are Covered in Height Safety Training?
The training that your workers receive should be tailored to your particular industry, the type of equipment you use, and the types of worksites they’re likely to encounter. Generally, training covers three areas:
- The risks of working at height, including the different types of falls that could occur, what factors contribute to falls, and the consequences of falls.
- The correct safety procedures, including how to set up a safe work area, your legal obligations, rescue procedures, and how to work safely at height in general.
- The use of PPE, including the different types that are available, how to choose the right PPE for the application, how to use it correctly, and how to perform inspections.
By providing regular training, you will be able to update modules based on changes to standards and regulations. You will also be able to add and remove equipment based on what is currently provided and the changing needs of your worksites.
How Can Employers Make Training Engaging?
Let’s face it – part of the challenge is ensuring that your workers attend training and take in the information being shared. You may find some of these tips useful:
- Schedule training regularly, as this shows workers that you take it seriously and it’s an integral part of their job (whereas treating training as a once-off can make workers feel like they can slack off).
- Wherever possible, make the content engaging, relevant, and applicable to the roles of your workers. This can be achieved with real-life scenarios, hands-on experience, and interactive discussions.
Regular Height Safety Training is a Must for Any Affected Business
It’s important to think of height safety training as an investment rather than a cost. It’s an investment in your team, your reputation, and your peace of mind – so can you really afford not to be providing it?
Ensure that your training is partnered with premium height safety systems that will stand the test of time. Contact the team at Australian Height Safety Services today to discuss the requirements of your workplace and arrange a free quote.
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