Training of Shared Jobs Workers

Worker in Share: Definition, Safety Obligations and PPE

A ‘high-altitude worker’ is a worker who performs work at a height that carries the risk of falling, generally more than two metres from the deck. Activities at height include work on roofs, scaffolding, trees, towers or other elevated structures, which pose a significant risk to the safety of the worker. Performing these operations requires specific safety measures to avoid serious accidents, such as falls, which are a major cause of accidents at work.

Definition of Worker in Share

A worker who works at a height is one who carries out his activity at such a height that he can suffer damage in the event of a fall. This type of activity is governed by the legislation on health and safety at work, with reference mainly to Legislative Decree 81/2008, which regulates safety in the workplace in Italy. According to this legislation, ‘working at height’ means any type of activity that involves the risk of falling from a height of more than two metres, but also in contexts where safety may be compromised by a height difference or unstable structures.

Occupational Health and Safety Obligations

A worker at a height has specific obligations to protect his health and safety, first of all in following the instructions given by the employer, but also in adopting responsible behaviour to minimise risks. Among the most important obligations:

1. Proper use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): the worker must correctly use all the PPE made available to him for protection against the risk of falling, such as harnesses, lanyards, helmets and safety shoes.
2. Training and Training: is obliged to receive appropriate training on working techniques at height, the use of PPE and emergency management, such as rescue manoeuvres in the event of an accident.
3. Verification of Security Conditions: Before commencing work, the worker must ensure that the work area and facilities are safe, unobstructed and able to support the load.
4. Risk Reporting: is obliged to promptly report any dangerous situations to the employer or to the safety officer.
5. Comply with Operating Procedures: must follow company procedures and instructions to minimise the risks associated with working at height.

Obligations of the Employer

The employer has primary responsibility for safety management, particularly when it comes to workers operating at height. The specific obligations concern the creation of a safe working environment, the training of workers and the provision of the necessary PPE. The main responsibilities of the employer include:

1. Risk Assessment: the employer is obliged to carry out an assessment of the risks associated with working at height, identifying potential dangerous situations and taking appropriate preventive measures to minimise the risk of falling.
2. Organization of Security: it must ensure that work at height is carried out safely, by activating collective protection measures (such as parapets or safe platforms) and by providing adequate training and training for the worker.
3. Provision of adequate PPE: must provide the worker with the necessary PPE, such as safety harnesses, lanyards, helmets, safety shoes and hearing or vision protection, as necessary for the work.
4. Control and maintenance of PPE: in addition to the supply, the employer is also responsible for the maintenance of the PPE, making sure that it is in good condition and that it is replaced when it is no longer effective.
5. Health surveillance: the employer is required to monitor the health of workers, with particular attention to those people who are most exposed to risks arising from working at height.
6. Emergency and Rescue Plans: must have specific contingency plans for work at height, ensuring that staff are trained and ready to act in the event of an accident.
7. Verification of the adequacy of working conditions: the employer must ensure that the working environment (both in terms of facilities and weather conditions) is adequate for operations at height, and that accident prevention measures are applied.

PPE for Shared Workers

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to ensure the safety of workers at height, preventing falls or minimising the consequences in the event of an accident. The main PPE used include:

1. Safety harnesses: the harness is one of the most important elements for the protection of workers at height. It must be worn correctly, as it is designed to hold the worker in the event of a fall, preventing them from falling freely. The harness must comply with the required safety standards and must be inspected regularly.
2. Safety Ropes and Anchor Lanyards: these devices are used to attach the harness to a secure anchorage point, preventing the worker from falling in the event of loss of balance.
3. Safety Helmets: Protective helmets must be worn to protect the head from any impact or objects that may fall from above.
4. Safety shoes: shoes with non-slip sole and reinforced toe are essential to ensure stability and protection when working at height.
5. Gloves and Additional Protections: gloves, goggles, and hearing protection may be needed depending on the type of work performed, especially if work at height involves risks of exposure to hazardous substances or loud noises.

Obligations related to the use of PPE

The use of PPE imposes a number of obligations on both the worker and the employer:

1. Proper Use: the worker is obliged to use the PPE provided by the employer, following the instructions for use and making sure that it is properly worn during all operations at height.
2. Periodic inspection of PPE: both the worker and the employer must carry out regular inspections of the PPE to verify that it is in good condition and, if necessary, replace it.
3. Training on the use of IPR: the worker must be adequately trained in the correct use of PPE, including maintenance and emergency management. This is crucial for worker safety.
4. Responsibilities of the Employer: the employer must ensure that the PPE is suitable for the type of work performed, complies with European regulations, and is provided free of charge.

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Conclusions

Working at height poses significant risks to worker safety, but with the right training, protective measures and proper use of PPE, these risks can be significantly reduced. The responsibility for ensuring a safe working environment is shared between the employer and the worker, both of whom have to follow strict procedures and make safety a priority.