No matter the workplace, there are always health and safety risks involved. Some jobs, however, include more workplace hazards, for example constructing a building. Employers are required, by law, to create a workplace free of hazards for their employees and any third parties on site. But safety at work is not only a responsibility of an employer, employees also have a part to play.
Employers are responsible for a safe workplace
Employers have to build a safe workplace for anyone who enters the site. A first step is to execute a risk assessment to gain insight into all the possible risks and the measures needed to combat these risks. For working at height this means employers need to set safe work policies and rescue procedures, as well as provide fall protection equipment and training. The tasks that everyone shares to protect themselves, and each other, from harm, need to be made clear
Supervisors, for example, also bear responsibilities in preventing falls from height and keeping workers safe. They need to understand the hazards that are faced and the safety measures in place to prevent accidents from happening. Additionally, they need to warrant that safety policies are being followed and signal when improvements can be made. Supervisors need to help staff understand the hazards they face, keeping them on their toes regarding threats and set good rules for housekeeping.
