Working at height refers to any task performed in a place where a person could fall, including tasks on ladders, scaffolds, Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), rooftops, or near fragile surfaces.
Even with precautions taken to prevent, or minimise the distance or consequences, a fall from height can still occur resulting in the suspension, injury, or incapacitation of a worker. Workers can also become injured, unwell, or incapacitated at height without falling. Where work at height is carried out, there should be an appropriate emergency procedure in place to rescue any such worker.
A work at height rescue plan is a pre-planned procedure designed to safely retrieve someone who has fallen and is suspended, is injured, ill, or incapacitated at height.
Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional