Article 20 February 2023 Working at Height series: Deep Dive No 4 In support of Mitie’s Working at Height Procedure, we are concluding this range of communications by looking at the: WaH Instruction Manual Occupational Health Rescue Plans Implementation Plans Watch this week’s supporting video Working at Height Manual The Manual is held on the IMS and provides guidance on equipment, situational considerations and categories of work, including: Examples to support the review process (Cat 1 v Cat 2) Occupational Health & Rescue Plans Environmental factors: Working adjacent to/ above water Fragile surfaces/materials Working near RF transmitters Tree work at height Working on terrain where drop offs/ slopes are present Working on/ next to drainage chambers/ drainage channels Occupational Health Given the risks it is imperative that Occupational Health is considered. The requirements are: WaH workers to be physically and psychologically fit New employees must complete a health questionnaire All Cat 2 works and Cat 1 works, where the sudden incapacity of the worker could result in injury to others ‘or’ a rescue being significantly difficult to execute, require WaH Assessments Appropriate employees to complete the ‘fitness for task assessment’ via the Occupational health portal Rescue plans Rescue plans are a crucial element when planning WaH. If something does go wrong, we have to coordinate the timely rescue of our colleagues. Plans are required: For all Cat 2 works, and when a person or persons has the potential to fall to a lower level below the work at height location, such as into an inspection chamber For Cat 1 activities where standard operating procedures (i.e. lowering a MEWP to ground using the base controls) cannot be applied To link to the emergency arrangements Persons involved must be trained To be tested, documented and communicated Implementation plans If you haven’t yet requested yours, you can do so by submitting this MS Form. The implementation plan will ensure: transition to the new way of working, is owned and progressed appropriate representatives, from sites and contracts are involved your current position is captured, and progress against deliverables in captured The Journey & Useful Links Reviewing Mitie’s way of working at height has been a significant undertaking and a huge collaborative effort. Of course, the overarching aim is to keep our people safe, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank those that have supported throughout. WaH Launch Article – here. Deep Dive 1 – Authorisation and Authority to Work) – here. Deep Dive 2 – Working at Height Categories & Escalation / Selection of Equipment – here. Deep Dive 3 – SKET and Training Offer – here.
