What do we do to keep our team safe?
As part of No Falls Week, I thought I'd share a little more about how we keep our rope access team safe.
One of our abseilers has said "I always feel safe and I know I can rely on my team if I need support while on the ropes".
Safety is top of the list in everything we do, here are 3 examples of procedures we have in place to keep our team, and anyone else on site safe.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 (𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗦)
Before we begin anything on site, our operations manager always pulls together a detailed RAMS tailored to the specific project requirements.
The document outlines any hazards and the corresponding control measures and safety procedures we take to mitigate risks effectively.
Thoroughly assessing the work site and identifying potential hazards means we can implement preventive measures and ensure that all team members know the necessary safety protocols.
Clear communication of RAMS across the work site ensures that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, creating a safer working environment for all.
𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Safety equipment is the lifeline for workers performing tasks at height, and ensuring its reliability is essential.
Spectrum conducts regular testing and inspections of all our safety equipment, including carabiners, harnesses, ropes, and hard hats [Any technical names for the equipment we can use here? Like the style of harness maybe?]. This proactive approach helps to identify any defects or weaknesses in the equipment promptly, allowing for repairs or replacements to be made before they compromise worker safety.
We also offer eyebolt and safety system testing for properties that have them installed. This working knowledge of the equipment we use regularly means if our team is on a site we don't do the eyebolt testing for we can spot possible defects and report them to the client, after marking them as unsafe for use.
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀
I think it's important to prioritise ongoing training and development for all team members involved in working at height. This includes initial training for new hires and regular refresher courses to reinforce safety protocols and best practices.
For example, at the start of this year, we advanced two of our Level 1 IRATA technicians to Level 2. By investing in our team, we ensure that our team members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their tasks safely and efficiently.
Continuous training helps to keep our team aware of advancements or changes in safety regulations, enhancing their competency and readiness to handle potential hazards.