Working at Height

Overview

Avoid the height if possible; then collective protection; then personal fall protection.

Step-by-step procedure

Plan the access method and confirm a permit if required.
Use tagged scaffolding; check the green tag before use.
Identify a rated anchor point above the worker.
Full-body harness, double lanyard, 100% tie-off.
Barricade below; tether tools.
Stop work in high wind, lightning or poor visibility.

Key controls

Collective protection preferred over personal.
Inspect harness/lanyard/anchors before use.
Fall-clearance calculated to avoid hitting lower levels.

Roles & responsibilities

Role	Responsibility
Scaffold inspector	Inspects and tags scaffolding.
Supervisor	Confirms anchors, barricades, rescue plan.
Worker	Maintains 100% tie-off; tethers tools.

Common mistakes to avoid

Anchoring below the worker.
Unhooking to move on an unprotected edge.
No suspension-rescue plan.

Legal requirements (Thailand)

Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Act B.E. 2554 (2011) — the governing workplace-safety law in Thailand.
Ministerial Regulation on OSH management for construction work B.E. 2564 (2021).

Frequently asked questions

What is Working at Height?

Work above roughly 2 m, or anywhere a person could fall and be injured, is 'working at height'. The priority order is: avoid the work at height if possible; use collective protection (guardrails, platforms); then personal fall protection (harness). Dropped objects are an equal hazard to the people below.

Who is responsible?

Scaffold inspector: Inspects and tags scaffolding; re-inspects after changes.; Supervisor: Confirms anchors, barricades and the rescue plan are in place.; Worker: Maintains 100% tie-off and tethers tools.

What are the most common mistakes to avoid?

Anchoring below the worker, which allows a long, dangerous fall. Unhooking to move (not 100% tied off) on an unprotected edge. No rescue plan for a worker left hanging in a harness (suspension trauma).

References — Company procedure; Thai work-at-height regulation; OSH Act B.E. 2554.