SMART SAFETY

Avoiding falls when working from height

29th September 2022

SMART Safety Height

Falls while working on a farm can lead to broken bones or worse. They mean time off work and inevitably cost you money. Think about the places on a farm where falls can happen – roofs, ladders, vehicles, haystacks. By being aware of the dangers and taking proper safety measures you can significantly reduce the risk.

Avoid working at height wherever possible but it you have to then consider these safety measures first.

 

Plan

  • Don’t work alone and use a skilled professional contractor whenever possible.
  • Plan carefully any work that must be done at height.
  • Check for overhead power lines, uneven floors or soft ground.

Use equipment properly

  • DO NOT be tempted to use the wrong equipment, for example being lifted on the forks or bucket of a telehandler.
  • Make sure all equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job and checked regularly.
  • Follow the 1 in 4 ladder rule (i.e. 1 unit out for every 4 units up).

Work well with ladders

  • Don’t use a leaning ladder or stepladder if the task will take longer than 30 minutes.
  • ALWAYS maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder to ensure stability.
  • Don’t overload or overreach when working at height.