Working at heights is one of the most hazardous activities in the workplace. Even a minor misstep can lead to serious consequences — falls from heights are among the most common causes of fatal occupational injuries. From an occupational health and safety (OHS) perspective, it is therefore essential to strictly follow regulations, provide proper work equipment, ensure worker training, and maintain thorough documentation.
According to current legislation, working at heights includes any work, movement, or activity where a person is at risk of falling, slipping, or collapsing from a height or into a depth. This includes, for example:
- work on rooftops,
- work in excavations deeper than 1.3 meters,
- use of ladders, scaffolding, and platforms.
Act No. 124/2006 Coll. on Occupational Health and Safety, together with Decree No. 147/2013 Coll., stipulates that the employer is required to:
assess the risks associated with working at heights,
provide appropriate personal and collective protective equipment for employees — such as full-body harnesses, safety railings, scaffolding, and safety nets,
ensure employee training for working at heights,
enforce adherence to technological and safety work procedures,
ensure regular inspection of technical equipment (ladders, platforms, ropes, fall arrest systems).
Most Common Mistakes When Working at Heights
Practical Measures to Ensure Safety
- Working without fall protection.
- Failure to use or incorrect use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Working on a damaged or unsuitable ladder.
- Inadequate training of employees in technological and safety work procedures.
- Prioritize collective protective measures (such as railings and scaffolding) over individual ones.
- Employees must be trained in safe work at heights and in the use of PPE (personal protective equipment).
- Use certified equipment — ropes, harnesses, fall arrest systems, ladders, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Working at heights requires the highest level of attention, properly implemented safety measures, and thorough prevention. From an occupational health and safety (OHS) perspective, it is the employer’s duty to ensure not only training and equipment, but also careful risk assessment and regular inspections of equipment used for work at heights.
As professional partners, we can assist you with preparing OHS documentation, conducting height safety training, and inspecting technical equipment. Remember — a well-designed safety system is not just a legal obligation, but also a way to protect the health and lives of your employees.
