Work at Height Expert

Role & responsibilities

1. Risk Assessment and Planning

• Conduct Risk Assessments: Evaluate work environments and tasks that involve working at height to identify potential hazards. Assess the risk of falls, equipment failure, and environmental factors (weather, wind, etc.).
• Develop Safe Work Procedures: Design and implement safe work procedures for tasks that involve working at height. This includes developing fall protection plans and emergency procedures.
• Site Inspection and Evaluation: Regularly inspect sites where work at height is performed to ensure all safety measures are in place and compliant with regulations. This includes evaluating scaffolding, ladders, and platforms for safety.
• Control Hazardous Conditions: Identify and control hazardous conditions such as unstable surfaces, inadequate fall protection, or insufficient lighting in elevated work areas.

2. Safety Equipment Management

• Ensure Proper Use of Fall Protection Systems: Verify the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as harnesses, lanyards, helmets, and fall arrest systems. Ensure the equipment is suitable for the type of work being performed.
• Inspect Equipment: Regularly inspect all fall protection equipment and tools used for work at height to ensure they meet safety standards and are in good working condition. Replace defective equipment as necessary.
• Ensure Accessibility to Safety Gear: Ensure that safety equipment is readily available to workers and that they are properly trained to use it.

3. Training and Awareness

• Conduct Work at Height Safety Training: Develop and deliver training programs on the proper use of fall protection systems, emergency procedures, and safe work practices for employees who will be working at heights.
• Refresher Training: Provide ongoing training and refresher courses to keep employees updated on the latest safety standards and best practices related to working at height.
• Ensure Competency: Ensure that workers are competent in using height-related equipment and can perform their tasks safely under various conditions.
• Promote Safety Culture: Foster a culture of safety by raising awareness about the importance of height safety and encouraging workers to report potential hazards or unsafe conditions.

4. Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Develop Emergency Response Plans: Create and maintain emergency response plans for accidents or incidents related to working at height, including fall rescues and first aid protocols.
• Conduct Rescue Drills: Organize and supervise fall rescue drills to ensure workers are familiar with emergency procedures in case of a fall or other accidents.
• Coordination with Rescue Teams: Ensure that appropriate rescue equipment and personnel are readily available in case of an emergency. Coordinate with the emergency response team to ensure a quick and efficient rescue operation.

5. Compliance and Regulations

• Ensure Compliance with Safety Regulations: Ensure all work at height activities comply with national and international safety standards, such as OSHA, Work Health and Safety (WHS), or other relevant regulations.
• Stay Updated on Legal Requirements: Keep abreast of changes in safety regulations and standards related to working at height and update safety practices accordingly.
• Audit and Reporting: Regularly audit work sites to ensure compliance with safety protocols and report any violations or safety concerns to management for corrective actions.

6. Site-Specific Safety Plans

• Develop Site-Specific Safety Plans: Customize safety plans based on the unique requirements of each work site. This includes determining the appropriate fall protection systems, ladders, scaffolding, and platforms needed for the task.
• Coordinate with Project Managers: Work with project managers to ensure that safety measures are integrated into the planning and execution of work at height tasks on-site.
• Identify and Address Site Hazards: Regularly review and assess potential hazards that may arise during work at height and implement controls to eliminate or reduce those hazards.

7. Supervision and Monitoring

• Monitor Work Activities: Oversee workers while they are performing tasks at height to ensure they are adhering to safety procedures and using appropriate fall protection equipment.
• Supervise Scaffold Erection and Dismantling: Supervise the assembly and disassembly of scaffolding, ensuring compliance with safety standards and ensuring that workers follow correct procedures.
• Ensure Safe Practices: Monitor workers for proper usage of ladders, platforms, and other elevated work surfaces. Correct unsafe behavior immediately to prevent accidents.

8. Incident Investigation and Reporting

• Investigate Accidents: Investigate any accidents or near-misses related to work at height. Determine the root cause and recommend corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
• Document Incidents: Maintain detailed records of any incidents or safety violations and ensure that corrective measures are taken.
• Implement Corrective Actions: Work with safety management to implement corrective actions for any identified safety issues and ensure they are communicated to all affected parties.

9. Continuous Improvement

• Review and Improve Safety Practices: Regularly review and improve work at height safety practices and procedures. Evaluate new equipment, technology, and methods to enhance safety and efficiency.
• Feedback and Recommendations: Collect feedback from workers and other stakeholders on safety practices and use this input to continuously improve the safety program.