The major risk of an occupational accident in the construction industry is posed by working at height. Every day in the Netherlands, workers fall off ladders, stepladders, scaffolding, building site lifts or hydraulic platforms, or through roofs, platforms, floors or openings. Sometimes with lasting consequences. There is a serious risk of falling when working at a height of over 2.5 metres. However, serious accidents occur just as often with falls from heights of under 2.5 metres, for example due to landing awkwardly on obstacles.

The key accident scenarios for falling from heights are: 

• Falling from/through a roof, floor of platform; 
• Falling from scaffolding;
• Falling from a ladder or stepladder; 
• Falling through a hole in the floor or ground. 

1. First, measures must be taken at the source. That is often not possible when working at heights, though. Subsequent acceptable control measures are: 
   1. Including provisions for safe access, e.g. a stairwell, scaffolding or hydraulic platform;
   2. Installing permanent edge protection around the area. This is structurally attached to the building itself
   3. Installing permanent fall protection or edge protection at cut-aways, stairwells, etc.
2. Where that is not possible, collective measures must be taken. Examples include: 
   1. Applying clear markings and/or cordons. Sufficient when more than 4 metres from the edge of the roof (or hole, opening or cut-away at height);
   2. Installing safety nets.

3. Personal fall protection is only used if collective fall protection is insufficient. The first such choice should be area demarcation while working on a fixed line. If that is not possible, the remaining option is a safety harness with a line that includes a fall shock absorber. The need for this must be demonstrated, for instance with a task risk analysis (TRA). This working method should be used in consultation with the in-house emergency team.

Collective facilities

Check if the existing safeties are still in order. It transpires in practice that temporary edge protection is often not used, incomplete or has been removed.

Make sure that the access routes to the floor, roof or platform are free of obstacles and have edge protection.

Personal fall protection

Points to pay attention to when using it: 

• The chosen fall protection has a CE identification symbol and is in good condition;
• Materials and anchor points are periodically checked and inspected where necessary;
• Ergonomically fit to the user;
• Used in accordance with the instructions;
• Straps are tightened around the body;
• Worker knows how to use the equipment properly;
• The in-house emergency team is properly trained (i.e. trained health & safety officers are nearby);
• There is permanent supervision during use;
• Check the attachment of the safety lanyard and make sure that the choice of attachment point limits the fall height;
• Be alert to the pendulum effect.

Note: after a fall, the safety belt or harness must be destroyed. Devices must be inspected by the supplier.

Reserve time for discussion!

1. Are the risks of working at height clear?
2. Have our people been (demonstrably) instructed about it?
3. Have the control measures been determined and implemented?
4. Is there anything that needs to be improved?