The definition of working at height is; if precautions are not in place and a person was to fall a distance that is liable to cause a personal injury. Working at height comes in many forms; tower scaffolds, roof work and working with ladders are just a handful of areas that will require height safety training, similar to any industrial safety training. It's a high risk, high reward field. Being able to ensure you can work at a high standard of quality as well as safety is imperative, and before choosing to work in the area you have a lot to consider. The height is not the only danger to factor and there are many providers that aim to educate employees and employers on the precautions that need to be taken in the line of work.

The third highest cause of fatal injury in the workplace is a fall from height comprising over 20% of fatal accidents as well as 80 major injuries and all this results in over 230 three day absences. When a fall from 2 meters can cause a fatal injury it becomes vital to have height safety training in any workplace, where working at height is unavoidable.

Industrial safety training will minimize the risk of accidents occurring. Courses in working at heights are available for any to attend and usually only last one days worth of training. They are for anyone who works in an area where working at heights will be an activity, and cover fields such as; The Work at Height Regulations 2005 act. This covers the hierarchy of fall prevention and safe systems of work and so much more to ensure that you will be fully educated on the issues of working at heights and will be presented with a qualification specific in height safety training.

Courses are also provided for the understanding of planning, supervising and managing work at height. These courses will be for anyone who is working or intends to move towards working a supervisor role in an industry where working at a height is a necessity. You would be working towards a qualification, but also a focus on workplace health and safety risk assessments and factors that will influence the selection of work at height equipment to ensure all you staff will be fully prepared for their roles. This form of industrial safety training will provide you with the knowledge to run a safe and secure work environment.

Main points when it comes to working at heights is firstly ensure that staff can travel safely to the height they are required to work at. Secondly, to provide protective equipment for the possibility of failing objects from additional heights. Additionally, all equipment and safety measures need to be suitable, stable and strong enough for the job as well as ensuring they are all regularly checked and well maintained to minimise risk as much as possible. Whilst working at height, make sure no one is ever overloaded and requires to reach unnecessary precarious positions. Moreover, it’s crucial to become extra aware when you are working on or around fragile surfaces such as glass. Lastly, it’s required to assess emergency evacuation and procedures in the event of an incident or when a situation arises that could require a rescue.

Working at heights comes with many risks and it is imperative that you make sure every possible risk is assessed to ensure the safety to all involved. Injuries from accidents in this area tend to be major at best and can cause distress to the individual as well as the company. The points and course will educate all involved and create a safer workspace in the long run.