The Risks Around Working at Heights: Understanding the Danger Below 2m
Working at heights is a critical safety concern in many industries, from construction to maintenance. While most think of “working at heights” as activities far above the ground, significant risks exist even when working below 2 meters. Alarmingly, falls from heights of less than 2m contribute to a substantial number of workplace injuries and fatalities each year in Australia.
In this blog, we’ll examine the risks of working at heights, explore Safe Work Australia’s statistics on falls below 2m, and provide practical strategies for mitigating these risks in your workplace.
Why Working at Heights Is Risky – Even Below 2m
Many underestimate the hazards of working at low heights, assuming the risk of severe injury or fatality is minimal. However, falls from any height can result in:
- Head Injuries: Even short falls can cause severe trauma if a worker strikes their head on a hard surface.
- Broken Bones and Sprains: Falls often lead to fractures or musculoskeletal injuries.
- Secondary Hazards: Falling onto hazardous equipment or materials can increase the severity of injuries.
Safe Work Australia’s data paints a clear picture of the risks associated with low-height work:
- Short Falls, Big Impact: Falls from below 2m account for nearly 20% of workplace fatalities.
- Industry Hotspots: Construction, manufacturing, and warehousing industries see the highest rates of low-height falls.
- Common Causes: Slips from ladders, collapsing platforms, and improper use of step stools are leading causes.
These statistics underscore the importance of proactive safety measures, regardless of the height involved.
- Improper Use of Ladders and Step Stools Ladders are one of the most common tools for low-height work, but misuse is a leading cause of falls.
- Risk: Overreaching or using unstable ladders can lead to tipping or slipping.
- Lack of Edge Protection Work areas without adequate guardrails or barriers pose a fall risk.
- Risk: Workers may lose balance near unprotected edges.
- Poor Surface Conditions Wet, uneven, or cluttered surfaces increase the likelihood of slips and falls.
- Risk: Workers may lose footing while stepping onto or off elevated areas.
- Absence of Fall Protection Assuming low heights are “safe” often leads to neglecting fall protection equipment.
- Risk: Workers are unprotected in case of an accidental slip.
- Conduct Risk Assessments
- Identify tasks involving low-height work and evaluate potential hazards.
- Consider environmental factors such as weather, surface stability, and proximity to other risks.
- Use Proper Equipment
- Provide stable ladders, step stools, and platforms designed for specific tasks.
- Regularly inspect equipment for wear and tear.
- Install Guardrails and Barriers
- Equip low-height work areas with edge protection where possible.
- Use temporary barriers if permanent solutions are unavailable.
- Implement Fall Protection Systems
- Train workers to use harnesses or fall-arrest systems when appropriate.
- Ensure compliance with AS/NZS 1891 standards for fall protection equipment.
- Train Your Workforce
- Educate workers on the risks of low-height falls and proper equipment usage.
- Conduct refresher training to reinforce safe practices.
- Foster a Safety Culture
- Encourage workers to report hazards and unsafe practices without fear of repercussions.
- Promote safety as a shared responsibility across teams.
At Train Now, we understand the unique challenges of working at heights, even at low levels. Our tailored training programs cover:
- Work Safely at Heights: Comprehensive training for managing height-related risks.
- Fall Prevention and Rescue Techniques: Practical skills to protect workers in case of a fall.
- Safety Equipment Usage: Proper use and maintenance of ladders, harnesses, and barriers.
Our courses are aligned with Safe Work Australia guidelines and ensure compliance with workplace safety standards.
Conclusion
The risks of working at heights, even below 2m, should never be underestimated. By understanding the dangers, adhering to safety standards, and investing in proper training, you can significantly reduce the risk of falls and create a safer workplace.
At Train Now, we’re committed to helping businesses prioritise safety at every level.
Visit Train Now to learn more about our training programs and how we can support your workplace safety goals.
Train Now– Protecting Lives, One Step at a Time.