Safety Tips For Working at Heights

There’s no doubt that working at heights can be dangerous. Whether working at heights for a living or you’re just doing odd jobs, you don’t want to find yourself at the wrong end of the ladder. If you’re one of many who wants to work safely from a height, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’re going to go over some of our top working at heights tips!

Railings

The first thing you should do when it comes to height safety and working at heights is to use a railing. This form of protection is one of the easiest to use and install. It’s generally considered to be passive protection because the railing is there in the background when you need something to fall back on.

Anchor Points

Regardless of any PPE gear or fall protection equipment you wear, you won’t be protected from a large fall. That’s why you need to choose an anchor point that will support you if things go wrong.

You should only use an anchor point if it was either designed by an engineer or approved by one. Alternatively, you can use an anchor point if it can handle a 5000lbs load. Keep in mind that you’re going to have to secure your anchor point with either a structural steel beam or a roofing cart.

Your Equipment

More than anything, it’s important that you have the right equipment for working at heights. Depending on what your situation is, you’ll either need a scaffold or a lift.

Scaffolds are especially useful if you’re planning to paint a home or if you’re not planning to work at an extreme height. If you’re willing to combine some of these techniques, you can install a railing on your scaffolding.

Alternatively, you’re going to be working at greater heights. Some lifts will require you to wear a lanyard and harness/belt e.g. scissor lifts. Keep in mind that using a lift comes with its own complexities. You must be tied-off in a lift, which means you need to be tied to an anchor that is designed for the lift you’re using. When you’re tied-off, you also need to have a lanyard that will protect you.

On a scissor lift, there aren’t any regulations that require you to tie-off. The issue with this is that if you don’t tie-off, you won’t be protected if you fall from a height.

Ladders

Too often, we see workers using their ladders inappropriately. How often have you heard about someone having to take medical leave because they fall from a ladder? We throw a ladder against a shelf, wall, or roof, and we run up and down them in the same breath.

To use a ladder properly, you should remember to have it extend past the level you want to reach. You should also make sure that there’s a 1-foot gap between the surface you’re climbing and the ladder for every 4 feet of height. The subsequent angle will stop you from falling backward or slipping.

To use your ladder properly, you should also always have three limbs touching it at all times. You can either use two hands and one leg or two legs and one hand. If you need to carry something up or down with you, there are other ways to do so. You can tie a rope around your waist and attach it to the object you want to carry. You can also use a backpack to carry items on your back.

Equipment Education

At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is to educate yourself. There are different forms of fall protection depending on your needs and depending on your licensing board’s requirements.

If you’re an employer who wants your employees to work more safely, the best thing you can do is to have them go through training programs and certifications. This will prevent you from having to deal with insurance nightmares and injured staff. You’ll also be able to have working at height risk assessments done to ensure your worksite is at safe as possible. When your employees are educated on how to protect themselves, the better off you’ll be.

Final Thoughts

Being an efficient worker means nothing if you don’t have the right tools to protect yourself from injury. When you’re working from a height, the reality is that a single fall can leave you injured for the rest of your life. Even if you’re not injured in the long-term, you can easily find yourself off of work for a few weeks.

If you have any questions about working at heights, contact us here.

faqs about lifting equipment

What is the best lifting equipment for industry use?

The best lifting equipment for industrial use depends on the type of load, environment, and frequency of operation. Popular choices include Electric and Manual hoists, Beam Trolleys, or Chain Blocks, all designed for heavy duty use. At Lifting365 UK, we supply a variety of industrial grade lifting gear that meets UK safety standards, offering reliable performance, durability, and ease of operation across factories, workshops, and construction sites.

Where to buy lifting equipment and accessories?

Genuine lifting equipment and accessories can be purchased from authorised and reliable suppliers. When you choose Lifting365 certified, compliant products with manufacturer warranties and technical support are guaranteed. Our team can help you choose the right gear for your application, ensuring you meet UK safety standards while providing fast delivery options and ongoing support for all lifting tasks.

Do I need a certificate to use lifting equipment?

Yes. In the UK, operators of lifting equipment are required to be trained and competent, especially under regulations like LOLER and PUWER. While a formal certificate may not be legally required for all equipment, all of our Safety Awareness Courses are certified and will ensure operators understand safe use, inspection, and maintenance.

What lifting gear can be used for heavy industrial tasks?

Heavy industrial tasks require robust lifting gear such as Electric Hoists, Chain Blocks, or Lever hoists. These products are engineered for high load capacities, durability, and continuous use in demanding environments. At Lifting365 UK, we supply certified heavy duty lifting equipment working with only the leading manufacturers to provide safe and reliable products.

How often should lifting equipment be maintained or serviced?

Lifting equipment should be inspected before each use and undergo formal maintenance at intervals recommended by UK regulations. For example, lifting accessories often require six monthly inspections, while hoists and cranes may need annual checks. Regular maintenance includes checking chains, ropes, hooks, brakes, and gear mechanisms for wear or damage.

What factors affect the load capacity of lifting equipment?

Load capacity depends on factors such as the type of lifting gear, material strength, design, duty cycle, and angle of lift. Environmental conditions, such as temperature or corrosion exposure, can also affect safe working limits. We understand the importance of choosing the right equipment, so we supply lifting gear with clear load ratings and provide advice on selecting the right equipment to match your operational requirements and UK safety standards.