Working at Height Do & Donts

Dos and Don ts – Working at Height

  • as much work as possible from the ground.
  • ensure workers can get safely to and from where they work at height.
  • ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job, maintained and checked regularly.
  • take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces.
  • provide protection from falling objects.
  • consider emergency evacuation and rescue procedures

  • overload ladders – consider the equipment or materials workers are carrying before working at height. Check the pictogram or label on the ladder for information.
  • overreach on ladders or stepladders.
  • rest a ladder against weak upper surfaces, eg glazing or plastic gutters.
  • use ladders or stepladders for strenuous or heavy tasks, only use them for light work of short duration (a maximum of 30 minutes at a time).
  • let anyone who is not competent (who doesn’t have the skills, knowledge and experience to do the job) work at height