Working at Height Risk Assessment Checklist

A Working at Height Risk Assessment Checklist using eAuditor Audits & Inspections can help you systematically identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with working at heights. Here’s a comprehensive checklist template that you can use as a basis for your inspections, with key points related to safety, equipment, and procedures.

Working at Height Risk Assessment Checklist

General Information

• Project Name/Location:
• Task Description:
• Inspection Date:
• Time of Inspection:
• Inspector Name:

1. Task and Site Evaluation

• Nature of Work at Height
  • What tasks will be performed at height (e.g., maintenance, installation, cleaning)?
  • Is it essential to perform the task at height, or can it be done at ground level?
• Work Environment
  • Are weather conditions suitable for working at height (e.g., no high winds, rain)?
  • Is the surface where the work is being performed stable and free of hazards (e.g., debris, wet surfaces)?
  • Are there any overhead power lines, cranes, or other obstructions near the work area?
• Work Duration and Frequency
  • Is this a one-time task or recurring?
  • How long do they expect the worker to be at height?

2. Risk Identification

• Fall Hazards
  • Do people identify and address unprotected edges, open holes, or fragile surfaces?
  • Are workers exposed to unprotected leading edges (rooftops, scaffolding)?
• Falling Object Hazards
  • Could tools or materials fall and endanger people below?
  • Do people secure the area beneath the worksite to prevent unauthorized access?
• Access Hazards
  • Are ladders, scaffolds, or lifts used to access the working area secure and in good condition?
  • Are workers at risk of slipping or losing balance while accessing the height?

3. Control Measures

• Elimination and Substitution
  • Can the work be done without working at height (use extendable tools, remote systems)?
  • Can workers use safer alternatives, like guardrails or elevated platforms, instead of ladders?
• Engineering Controls
  • Are guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) in place to protect workers from falling?
  • Is there proper edge protection in areas where work is continuing?
• Administrative Controls
  • Has a safe work method statement (SWMS) or job safety analysis (JSA) done?
  • Have all workers undergone training in working at height, including use of safety equipment?
  • Are regular tool and equipment checks scheduled and documented?

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Fall Protection Equipment
  • Are workers wearing appropriate PPE (e.g., harnesses, lanyards)?
  • Inspection and certification of harnesses, lanyards, and other equipment for use?
  • Have workers undergone training on the proper use and limitations of their fall protection systems?
• Head, Eye, and Foot Protection
  • Provide workers with hard hats, safety glasses, and steel-toe boots?
  • Is PPE in good condition and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions?

5. Access Equipment Inspection

• Ladders
  • Are ladders stable, secure, and in good condition (no bent, broken, or missing parts)?
  • Proper possitioning of ladders(3 points of contact, proper angle).
  • Are ladders being used only for short-duration tasks (less than 30 minutes)?
• Scaffolding
  • Is erection and inspection of scaffolding done by a competent person?
  • Are guardrails, toe boards, and planking in place and secure?
  • Is there safe access to the scaffold (ladders, stairs)?
• Aerial Lifts and Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs)
  • Are lifts inspection done before use (check for mechanical issues)?
  • Are workers wearing fall protection while using aerial lifts?
  • Is the platform stable, and is there no risk of tipping or overloading?

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Rescue Plan
  • Is there an emergency rescue plan in place in case of a fall or accident?
  • Are all workers aware of the emergency procedures and nearest first-aid kits?
  • Are rescue and recovery equipment (e.g., ladders, stretchers) available and in good condition?
• Communication
  • Are communication devices (e.g., radios, cell phones) available in case of emergency?
  • Display and accessiblity of the emergency contact list to all workers.

7. Post-Inspection

• Final Checks
  • Mitigation of all hazards to an acceptable level.
  • Has the task been communicated to the team along with specific precautions?
  • Are there follow-up actions required (e.g., further equipment inspection, additional training)?

8. Sign-Off

• Inspector Signature:
• Supervisor Signature:
• Date:

9. Photo Documentation (Optional)

Attach photos of the worksite, access equipment, and safety measures for documentation purposes.

This Working at Height Risk Assessment Checklist can be easily integrated into eAuditor Audits & Inspections by creating relevant sections and subcategories. You can also add features like:

• Conditional Logic: Show or hide specific sections based on answers.
• Photo Captures: Upload photos of site conditions and equipment.
• Digital Signatures: Enable sign-offs directly within the app.
• Automated Reports: Generate reports and share them with the team instantly.