Working from high places can be frightening however many people find ways around it every day. There are safety procedures and training available from Pro Trainers UK, which should be followed to ensure your fears don’t become reality. Below are our top ten tips to consider when working at height:

• Consider the task. Do you really need to do everything from up there? Limit the amount of work from high places as much as possible, if you can do it from the ground then do so. Develop your work schedule around this idea and reduce the amount of time you spend going up or down.Is your equipment safe?
• Inspect your climbing equipment, such as ladders, daily. Check that they are strong and steady enough to carry your weight. No equipment should move unexpectedly.
• Make sure all your equipment and materials are kept securely. Do not risk anything falling. Whether that means they are in your pockets or in a tool box make sure you know where they are and that they will not move. If you have large pieces of equipment or working materials, fasten them down to prevent them from falling.
• Take breaks when necessary. Spending a lot of time in high places can be disorientating. Make sure you take the time to relax and clear your head.
• Communication. Take phones or other communication devices to ensure you can converse with your colleagues on the ground. This is especially important if there is an accident.
• Leave distractions on the ground. When working in high places it is very important not to distract yourself or anyone around you. You do not need to check social media.
• Keep an eye on your team. Always watch out for one another. If someone is doing something inappropriate, tell them. If something has not been correctly secured, tell them. Be aware of their surrounding as well as your own.
• Monitor your personnel. If someone is not needed, tell them to leave. The lower the number of people working from above, the safer the environment. Do not allow people up unless they have permission from a higher authority.
• Make sure that your team will not need any reason to leave abruptly and that they are focused. Whether this means making sure that they have all been to the toilet or if any of them are hungry.
• Awareness. Develop clear instructions for your team and make sure they follow them.