According to a report by the Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) from 2015 to 2020, falls from heights constituted 39.8% of all workplace accidents in Malaysia. This data highlights the persistent challenge of working at height safety in the country’s industrial landscape. [Source: Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Annual Reports]. These incidents commonly involved falls from ladders and through fragile surfaces. Globally, working at height remains one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries across various industries.
Working at Height Training is importance to Ensure worker and workplace safety is paramount, particularly when tasks involve working at height. Let’s begin by exploring the definition of “working at height.”
“Working at height” refers to tasks conducted in any location where, without precautionary measures, a person could potentially fall a distance that might result in personal injury, such as a fall through a fragile roof. The specified height threshold for what constitutes working at height varies among different countries. For instance, in Malaysia, this height is defined as 10 feet, whereas in the UK, Singapore, and Australia, it is set at 2 meters. In New Zealand and Singapore, it is designated as 3 meters.
Why is Working at Height Significant?
Performing tasks four feet or higher above the ground increases the risk of falling, with any factor capable of causing imbalance and leading to a fall considered a hazard.
Working at Height Training teach to encompasses activities conducted:
• On elevated structures such as ladders, flat roofs, or scaffolding where a fall is possible.
• In proximity to openings through which a fall could occur.
• Near edges over which a fall is possible.
• In any location, whether above or below ground, where there’s a risk of falling through a fragile surface or between different levels.
Without safety training especially Working at Height Training, adequate awareness, access to appropriate equipment, and understanding of job requirements, individuals are vulnerable to the risk of falls resulting in injury.
Examples of Work at Height Tasks:
• Working on elevated platforms like scaffolding, towers, or roofs.
• Tasks involving the use of ropes and/or ladders, such as painting, installing large signage, or exterior building cleaning.
Identifying Contributing Factors of Falls from Heights:
Most fall accidents from height have significant consequences, including permanent disabilities, fatalities, and psychological impact on workers. Working at Height Training help effectively prevent and reduced such incidents, thorough assessment of potential hazards in the work area is essential.
Common Causes of Falls from Heights:
• Individual Behavior: Failure to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), improper use of equipment, use of damaged equipment, incorrect posture while working, and negligence toward safety protocols.
• Management Oversight: Inadequate provision of PPE and safety equipment, lack of Working at Height Training and orientation, disregard for safety policies, and insufficient safety monitoring.
• Workplace Conditions: Poor site cleanliness, adverse weather conditions, cramped working spaces, and inadequate warning signage.
• Communication Challenges: Unclear information dissemination, language barriers (verbal and written), inadequate understanding of signage, and ineffective communication between safety officers and employees
Masma Safety Selangor are committed to providing top-quality Working at Height Training. For inquiries, please contact us at 019 207 1900 or email masmasafety@gmail.com. We are dedicated to assist you.