The Two main causes of accidenTal deaTh and injury on worksiTes are falls from heighT and falling objecTs.

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heightAware

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your responsibiliTies as a supervisor are To ensure:

A safe system of work.

A safe place of work.

Safe access to and from the place of work.

Safe tools, equipment, machinery and plant are used.

competent workers carry out the job.

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Supervisors take charge in an emergency situation.

emergency planning !

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Always put a rescue plan in place before starting work.

Make sure trained rescue teams are ready to carry out a rescue quickly.

Speed and care are crucial especially when a safety harness has stopped a fall. The fallen worker will suffer from suspension trauma and could be unconscious within 5 minutes.

Set up an effective way of communication between rescuers and the casualty.

Don’t place more workers at risk than needed.

During a rescue:

Supervisors ensure safe work and competent workers.

A Safe System of Work analyses the task, identifies potential hazards and decides on what is needed to protect workers.

working safely at height

As a supervisor you are responsible for your workers’ lives and for ensuring a safe place of work. You are responsible to check working conditions are safe before work begins and to make sure the activity does not put others at risk. This requires planning and organisaTion.

1. A SAfe SyStem of Work

It includes:

3. SAfe AcceSS to And from the plAce of WorkWhen selecting a safe way to get to and come from a place of work (e.g. walkways, mobile elevated working platforms, stairs, ladders) consider:

The distance and consequences of a potential fall

The type, duration and the frequency of the job

The risk during erection and removal of the access

The effect of severe weather conditions

Emergency and rescue procedures required

2. A SAfe plAce of WorkAs a supervisor you have to ensure that the basic working environment is safe. this includes:

No structure is put up, changed or taken down without supervision of a competent person.

All working platforms, scaffolds and other structures are safe for use and inspected regularly.

An exclusion zone is created around scaffolding to prevent unauthorised workers or the public accessing the area.

Unsafe activities are stopped and reported!

4. SAfe toolS, equipment, mAchinery And plAnt Are uSedusing the right equipment for the task and using it properly can mean the difference between life and death.

Ensure all tools, equipment, machinery and plant are in good condition before use. Don’t let anyone use defective equipment!

All tools, equipment, machinery and plant should be properly stored and maintained.

Use equipment to prevent falls e.g. cherry pickers, podium steps, scissor lifts.

Use equipment to minimise the distance and consequences if a fall occurs e.g. air bags, nets, safety harnesses.

Ensure there is enough space for the equipment, machinery, and plant.

5. competent WorkerS cArry out the job remember: don’t assign a task to anybody who is not trained or competent!

personnel should be trained in:The Safe System of Work

The main hazards and how to identify them before work

How to use, inspect and take care of equipment/structures

How to use safety harnesses

competent workers should:Understand and use the Safe System of Work

Wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (hard hat, harnesses, safety boots)

Carry out safety checks on their equipment and place of work before starting work

Not work in unsafe places of work or with unsafe equipment

Make sure edge protection is in place to prevent tools or materials falling from edges or openings. Tools must be kept in toolbins, toolbags or toolboxes which are secured with a lanyard to a handrail or other suitable anchor point.

Make sure material is stored away correctly and the work area is kept tidy.

tools and materials

A safety harness should only be used as a last resort.

It must be worn properly and connected to a lanyard and a secure anchor point (as high as possible).

Personnel must be trained, found competent and supervised to use a safety harness.

Maintenance and regular inspections of harnesses are essential.

Safety harness

It should be planned before an activity and consists of simple written procedures or permits to work.

Supervisors should train workers.

Safety harnesses must be anchored correctly.

Supervisors check equipment for defects before use.

tools should be kept in a toolbox in order to keep work areas tidy and prevent falling objects and accidents.

Supervisors stop unsafe activities.

Supervisors identify potential hazards in selecting a method of access.

Supervisors should approve permits to work.

- Rules and responsibilities before, during and after the task

- Clear emergency procedures

- Regular assessment of the activity while it is taking place.