Working from heights is a common requirement for many professionals in the pest industry. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 defines a fall from height as ‘a fall from one level to another level’. So, you may be exposed to height risks even when using low steps or whilst at ground level when working near openings such as cellar hatches.

As well as the risk posed to the personal safety of you and your employees, it is also important to consider the risks posed to third parties from trip hazards and falling objects.

Therefore, the most beneficial step you can take is to eliminate the need to work from height wherever possible. This could include using remote cameras to assess work areas or fitting permanent stairs/steps for access. Of course, this is not always possible, so we’ve put together some useful information to help.

Check your policy documents

Make sure to check your policy documents to ensure that if the worst were to happen, your policy will be there to help if needed. At Cliverton, we can arrange a pest control policy which covers work from heights up to 20 meters for all forms of height access work.

Risk assessments and method Sstatements

Your policy will require you to carry out risk assessments for any contract that you hold, however, it is important to have a height specific risk assessment in place wherever work from heights is required.

This should document all planned work, identify hazards and mitigate risk where possible. You must then provide a copy of the method statement to all employees involved in the work.

Training and supervision

HSE guidelines state that work from height must be carried out by competent individuals. If you have staff, including sub-contractors, you must ensure they have sufficient skills, knowledge and experience. If you are training a new employee, they must always be accompanied and supervised by a competent individual.

Additionally, keep a written record of any training in case this needs to be provided to a loss adjuster in the event of a claim.

Check your equipment

Your policy will also require you to test and maintain the condition of any equipment regularly. This will also have to be recorded alongside your risk assessments and staff training.

Things to consider:

There are number of requirements which must be considered by law when working from heights:

-       Only work in safe weather conditions

-       Each location must be checked for safety before each point of access

-       Prevent materials and objects from falling or, if this is not possible, use exclusion zones to keep members of the public out of harm’s way

-       Be prepared for emergencies by having evacuation and rescue procedures in place.

Useful resources

There are plenty of useful resources available to both our customers and to the wider public. For Cliverton customers, our pest control policy provides access to a Risk Solutions Helpline to provide advice and guidance for health and safety queries.

You also have the option to take out a legal expenses policy which provides further assistance such as legal document templates, a 24-hour telephone advice line and legal representation should a claim be brought against you.

‍

Useful resources available to the public can be found here:

-       Health and Safety Executive: https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/index.htm

-       Aviva Working at Height – Loss Prevention Standards: https://static.aviva.io/content/dam/document-library/risk-solutions/working_at_height_lps.pdf