Awareness First!
Falls from height are a primary cause of deaths and injuries in construction workplaces. In many cases, working at height is encountered as a task to be done alongside the main job or as a one-time job. Many workers lose their lives due to falls because the risks associated with working at height are not identified and the necessary safety measures are not taken. Therefore, safe working at height should be given the necessary importance and this awareness should be maintained throughout the work.
What is Working at Height?
Working at height refers to any work carried out in areas with a level difference where there is a possibility of injury due to falling.
What is the Problem?
Falls from height are among the most common fundamental causes of fatal occupational accidents worldwide and in our country. Thousands of occupational accidents involving falls occur annually in the construction sector. A study based on data from Turkey between 2013 and 2017 determined that on average 230 workers lose their lives each year due to falls from height in construction workplaces. Fatal accidents can occur from very high levels as well as from much lower levels.
Information Card 1: Safe Construction
So What Should Be Done?
First, appropriate planning must be done.
- The details of the work to be done should be carefully considered and all activities requiring work at height must be identified. One-time jobs and tasks that may seem insignificant due to their very short duration, such as a few minutes, must also be evaluated.
- Risks should never be underestimated and each risk must be assessed. Simply saying "I will be careful" is never sufficient. Working at height should be avoided as much as possible.
- It should be evaluated whether different equipment or working methods can be used for this purpose. Research should be conducted to see if there is new equipment that can accomplish the task without the need to work at height.
- How the relevant equipment, all kinds of tools, facilities to be used, and services to be procured can be designed to eliminate the need for working at height should be determined in advance.
Working at Height
General Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety (İSGGM)
The Right Person and Equipment Should Be Selected for the Job
- As much as possible, working platforms with guardrails such as scaffolds, platform ladders, and elevating work platforms, which prevent falls, should be used.
- The competence of contractors providing services related to the work to be done should be checked and their experience should be questioned.
Workers Performing the Job Should Be Trained
- It must be ensured that workers performing the job will use the provided equipment correctly and appropriately, including safe assembly and disassembly procedures.
- It should be confirmed that contractors providing services have the necessary training and certifications.
Work Should Be Supervised and Monitored
- It must be ensured that the work is carried out as planned and that the appropriate equipment is used correctly. Equipment should be regularly inspected.
- It must be ensured that all equipment used is regularly checked and examined, and damaged equipment should be repaired or taken out of service.
For More Information
This information card was prepared by the General Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety, Department of Sectoral Risk Management and Statistics, Construction Branch. For other information cards related to working at height and technical documents on different topics, please visit our website.
- Information Card 1: Safe Work Awareness
- Information Card 2: Basic Information
- Information Card 3: Equipment Selection
- Information Card 4: Competent Contractor Selection
- Information Card 5: Personal Protective Equipment Against Falls
- Information Card 6: Simple Maintenance and Repair Work on Roofs