Why companies need work at height training

Working at height is any work carried out above 2 meters where there is a risk of falling. This includes a wide range of tasks, such as:

• Roofing​
• Scaffolding
• Window cleaning
• Tree surgery
• Painting and decorating
• Maintenance and repair work

Working at height is one of the most common causes of accidents and fatalities in the workplace. In the UK, for example, falls from height account for around 20% of all workplace fatalities.

For this reason, it is essential for companies to provide their employees with work at height training. Work at height training teaches employees how to identify and assess the risks of working at height, and how to take appropriate precautions to control those risks.

Here are some of the key benefits of work at height training for companies:

• Reduces the risk of accidents and fatalities. Work at height training is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of falls from height, which can cause serious injury or death.
• Improves safety culture. Work at height training helps to create a positive safety culture within the company, where employees are aware of the risks and take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.
• Reduces downtime and costs. Accidents and injuries can lead to costly downtime and disruptions to business. Work at height training can help to prevent these accidents and injuries from happening, saving companies money in the long run.
• Complies with legal requirements. In many countries, there are legal requirements for companies to provide work at height training to their employees. By providing this training, companies can ensure that they are complying with the law.

Types of work at height training

There are a variety of different work at height training courses available, depending on the specific needs of the company and its employees. Some common types of work at height training include:

• General work at height training: This type of training covers the basics of working at height, such as hazard identification and risk assessment, safe working practices, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Specialist work at height training: This type of training is designed for employees who carry out specific types of work at height, such as scaffolding or roofing work.
• Managerial work at height training: This type of training is designed for managers and supervisors who are responsible for overseeing work at height activities.

How to choose a work at height training provider

When choosing a work at height training provider, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Accreditation: The training provider should be accredited by a reputable organization, such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) or the Advisory Committee for Work at Height Training (ACWAHT).
• Experience: The training provider should have experience in delivering work at height training to companies in your industry.
• Tailoring: The training provider should be able to tailor the training to meet the specific needs of your company and its employees.
• Cost: The cost of the training should be reasonable and affordable for your company.

Work at height training is an essential investment for any company that employs employees who work at height. By providing this training, companies can reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities, improve safety culture, reduce downtime and costs, and comply with legal requirements.