Risk Assessment for Elevated Work

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers all elevated work activities, including but not limited to work on ladders, scaffolds, aerial lifts, and roofs. It includes the use of fall protection equipment and emergency rescue procedures associated with these activities. Excluded from this assessment are activities involving energized electrical work, which require a separate specific risk assessment.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment employs a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. The hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and PPE) will be used to identify and implement control measures.

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Major	Low	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme
Moderate	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme
Minor	Medium	High	High	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	High	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Falls from height due to inadequate fall protection

Potential Consequences: Serious injury or fatality due to falls.

Affected Persons: Workers, public, and visitors

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Major	High

Control Measures

• Eliminate the need to work at height by performing tasks at ground level whenever possible.
• Use prefabrication techniques to minimize work at height.
• Install guardrails and safety nets to prevent falls.
• Implement a permit-to-work system for all elevated work.
• Ensure workers use appropriate fall protection equipment (harnesses, lanyards, lifelines).

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

2. Ladder collapse or failure

Potential Consequences: Injuries from falls due to ladder failure.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure proper training on ladder safety and inspection.
• Use ladders that meet safety standards (e.g., ANSI, CSA).
• Implement a ladder inspection program.
• Ensure ladders are placed on stable surfaces and secured properly.
• Prohibit the use of damaged or defective ladders.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

3. Scaffold collapse

Potential Consequences: Serious injuries or fatalities from scaffold collapse.

Affected Persons: Workers, public

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Inspect scaffolds before each use by a competent person.
• Ensure proper scaffold erection and dismantling by qualified personnel.
• Provide adequate access and egress to scaffolds.
• Ensure scaffolds are stable and erected on solid ground.
• Use guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards on all scaffolds.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

4. Aerial lift accidents (falls, electrocution, tip-overs)

Potential Consequences: Serious injuries or fatalities from aerial lift accidents.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure operators are trained and certified to operate aerial lifts.
• Inspect aerial lifts before each use.
• Maintain safe distances from overhead power lines.
• Use fall protection equipment while working in aerial lifts.
• Ensure proper grounding of aerial lifts.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

5. Falls from roofs

Potential Consequences: Serious injuries or fatalities from roof falls.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Major	High

Control Measures

• Conduct regular roof inspections to identify hazards.
• Install guardrails or safety nets on roof edges.
• Use fall protection equipment (harnesses, lanyards, lifelines) when working near roof edges.
• Mark and barricade skylights and roof openings.
• Provide training on safe roof work practices.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

6. Inadequate emergency rescue procedures

Potential Consequences: Delays in rescue leading to more severe injuries or fatalities.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Develop and implement a comprehensive emergency rescue plan.
• Provide rescue training to designated personnel.
• Ensure availability of rescue equipment (e.g., rescue harnesses, ropes, lowering devices).
• Establish communication protocols for emergencies.
• Conduct regular rescue drills.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Minor	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Implement a comprehensive fall protection program that includes hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures, training, and equipment inspection.
• Conduct regular safety meetings to discuss elevated work hazards and safe work practices.
• Ensure all workers involved in elevated work are competent and properly trained.
• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves.
• Implement a strict housekeeping policy to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Establish a detailed emergency rescue plan specific to the types of elevated work being performed. This plan should include self-rescue, assisted rescue, and professional rescue procedures.
• Provide comprehensive training to all workers on emergency rescue procedures, including how to recognize signs of suspension trauma and how to properly use rescue equipment.
• Ensure that appropriate rescue equipment is readily available and inspected regularly. This may include rescue harnesses, ropes, lowering devices, and first aid kits.
• Establish clear communication protocols for emergency situations, including contact information for emergency services and designated rescue personnel.
• Conduct regular emergency rescue drills to ensure the effectiveness of the rescue plan and the competency of rescue personnel.

7. Training Requirements

• Fall Protection Equipment Training: Workers must be trained on the proper selection, inspection, use, and maintenance of fall protection equipment, including harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines.
• Ladder Safety Training: Training should cover ladder safety standards, inspection procedures, proper ladder setup, and safe climbing techniques.
• Scaffold Safety Training: Training must include scaffold erection and dismantling procedures, hazard identification, fall protection requirements, and safe work practices on scaffolds.
• Aerial Lift Operator Training: Training should cover aerial lift operation, inspection, fall protection, electrical hazards, and emergency procedures.
• Roof Safety Training: Training must include hazard identification, fall protection requirements, safe work practices, and emergency procedures for roof work.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Monthly	Safety Officer	Regular inspections of all fall protection equipment to ensure it is in good working condition.
Audit	Quarterly	Safety Manager	Periodic audits of elevated work activities to verify compliance with safety procedures and regulations.
Incident Review	After each incident	Safety Committee	Review of incident reports and near-miss investigations to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Environmental Monitoring	Daily	Site Supervisor	Monitoring of weather conditions to determine if elevated work should be postponed due to high winds, rain, or other adverse conditions.
Observation	Daily	Site Supervisor	Ensure workers wear the seat belt while operating the machine to reduce the risk of personal injury. [1]

9. Special Circumstances

• Elevated work during adverse weather conditions (e.g., high winds, rain, snow) significantly increases the risk of falls. Ensure work is postponed or additional precautions are taken.
• Working at height at night or in low-light conditions requires additional lighting and visibility measures.
• Lone workers performing elevated work require additional monitoring and communication protocols to ensure their safety.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, or after any incident or when significant changes occur.

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