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Prevention

Inspecting work at height: ladders, scaffolds and edges on construction sites

For subcontractors and safety managers: a practical inspection approach for work at height, covering access equipment, edge protection and the conditions that change during a shift.

By Reldro · · 1 min read

Reldro A completed inspection: pass or fail per checklist item, discussion with photos.

Conditions change

For your subcontractor crews, use this guidance with the current work phase, trade responsibilities and approved procedures in view. Keep your safety manager involved in record reviews and follow-up. This guidance supports record keeping and coordination, not technical authorization to carry out the work.

A scaffold passed on Monday can be altered by Wednesday. Edge protection gets moved for deliveries. Height inspections need to reflect how quickly conditions shift on active sites.

What to check

Keep the checklist short and observable.

  • Ladders in good condition and secured
  • Scaffold tags current and no unauthorised changes
  • Edge protection continuous and complete
  • Openings covered and marked
  • Tools and materials secured against falling

Act on findings immediately

Height findings often need a same-day response. Stop use where needed, assign an owner and record the fix with a photo.

The takeaway

Inspect height controls often, keep checks observable and close findings fast. Height conditions rarely stay the same for long.

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