WORK AT HEIGHT

Riccardo Chee

Manager
WSHC Practices & Research
Work at Height

From Jan 2002 to Nov 2006, falling from height is :

No. 1 cause of death in SGP’s workplaces
Accounted for 34% of all fatal accidents
Risk Management
Under the Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations:
Every workplace, including worksites, should conduct risk assessments for all
routine and non-routine work undertaken.

1. Forming a RM team
2. Identify the hazards
3. Evaluate risk of hazards
4. Risk Control
5. Record Keeping
6. Implementation & review
Risk Management

1. Forming a RM team:

Preferably consisting of personnel from the various
levels of participation in the work activity

Relevant information should also be collated to
facilitate better understanding of the work process
Risk Management

2. Identify the hazards

Determine the work activities that planned to be
carried out

Identify and analyse the hazards associated with
each work activity that involves persons working
at height
Risk Management

3. Evaluate risk
of hazards

Determine the
possibility of someone
falling or getting
injured while working
at height.
Risk Management

4. Risk Control

Risk control must be
effective and practical

It is essential for risks
to be eliminated or
reduced ‘at source’.

To control hazards and
reduce risk, follow the
hierarchy of control
method
Risk Management

5. Record Keeping

Keep risk assessment reports for at least 3 years

6. Implementation and Review

Review once every 3 years

Whenever new information on OSH risks surfaces

When there are changes to work processes

After any accident/ incident
Hierarchy of Control
e.g. Prefabrication of
roofs at ground level

e.g. Use paints roller

with extendable handles
instead of ladder

e.g. Using guardrails at the

perimeters of building

e.g. Follow & enforce

Safe work procedures

e.g. Travel restraint system

Tips To Reduce The Risk Of
Falling From Height

1. Discourage Unsafe Practices:

 Unsafe practices among workers should never be ignored by the management

2. Supervision of Work:
 Supervision of work should carry out by an appointed and qualified supervisor
 Supervisors should ensure that workers adhere to all the safety requirements
 Buddy System

3. Wear the Fall Arrest System Safely and Correctly:

 Workers should use safety equipment properly despite the discomfort and
inconvenience that may arise for the use of the safety equipment
Tips To Reduce The Risk Of
Falling From Height

4. Proper Use of Equipment:

 Equipment should be certified as safe before use
 Attention should also be given to ensure that the equipment is not being misused

Scaffolds have to
be certified and
tagged as safe
before use
Tips To Reduce The Risk Of
Falling From Height

5. Safe Route of Access:

 Short cut should not be allowed
 Workers should be reminded to use the identified safe means of access

The absence of safe routes of

access may result in workers
being forced to take unsafe
routes, increasing the risk of
falling
Do & Don’t
Do & Don’t
Do & Don’t