Safety briefing - use of harnesses

This briefing addresses the key risks and controls measures associated with the use of harness when working at height. It aims to refresh staff of the risks associated with this type of PPE and how they can minimise the risk to themselves and others.

What’s covered?

The aim of this Safety Briefing - Use of Harnesses is to explain that staff should not automatically assume they are safe if they are wearing a harness and what could potentially go wrong if they suffer a fall.

Hazards and risks

The briefing identifies the hazards and risks of using a harness including not having a rescue plan in place, not fitting the harness correctly, etc. These hazards increase the risk of injury if a person falls whilst working at height.

Control measures

The briefing then addresses what you have in place to reduce the risks identified. It also reminds staff of the responsibility they have in ensuring that they are wearing it, wearing it correctly and that they look after it and report any faults.

Key points

Attendees must take note of the following key points:

• “Working at height and confined space work is a high-risk activity which if not properly prepared for can cause serious injury and even death.
• It is the responsibility of the user to adjust the harness to fit and ensure that the carabiner is secured to a fixed point or rescue equipment.
• Working at height and confined space work should never commence with a lone worker and a rescue plan must be in place prior to the worker being put at risk.”

.