Working at height toolbox talk

This Working at Height Toolbox Talk covers the key hazards and safe-working practices you must follow before accessing a roof or working at height.

The problem: 124 worker-related deaths in 2024 and 2025.

The solution: Learn how to keep yourself and others safe.

The result: Fewer serious injuries and fatalities from falls.

BEFORE WORKING AT HEIGHT

1. Before any work or access onto a roof, identify all fragile materials and put the right precautions in place.

2. Roof-edge barriers or scaffolds must be erected to prevent people and materials from falling.

3. Access ladders must extend at least one metre above the stepping-off point and must be securely fixed.

4. Where ladders rise above nine metres, a safe intermediate platform must be provided.

5. Make sure ladders are set at the correct angle: one unit out for every four units up.

HAZARDS OF WORKING AT HEIGHT

1. If there is any risk of falling, guardrails and toe-boards must be in place.

2. Always assess and anticipate hazards from adverse weather conditions and take suitable precautions.

3. LPG cylinders must be positioned at least four metres away from any heat source, and spare bottles should be kept to a minimum.

4. Never allow rubbish or materials to accumulate. Use a chute or lower materials safely—build-ups create accidents.

SAFE WORKING ON ROOFS

1. Only competent operatives may carry out roofing works.

2. Provide and use crawling boards or ladders where the roof could collapse under weight, or where the pitch exceeds ten degrees.

3. For short-duration work where guardrails and toe-boards cannot be used, workers must wear safety harnesses with suitable anchor points.

4. Bitumen boilers must be used with a drip tray.

5. All openings must be covered or guarded. If you remove a cover for access or material movement, replace it immediately.

NOTE TO THE SUPERVISOR

Brief your workforce on your company’s specific policies for working at height.

And remember: There is no safe height to fall from.

Working at Height eLearning Training Certificate

If your team needs a Working at Height training certificate, we provide a full online eLearning course.

Our Working at Height Training is RoSPA Approved, suitable for anyone who works at height or supervises those who do. Visit segurohealthandsafety.co.uk and select Health and Safety Training from the main menu.

Training can be completed on-site or at home, and once you pass, your certificate will be issued immediately.

Manual Handling Toolbox Talk

This manual handling toolbox talk covers the key considerations and good techniques for safe manual handling.

Every year, poor manual handling contributes to over nine million lost working days.

The solution is simple: learn how to lift correctly and look after your back.

The result? Fewer lost days… and a happier, healthier workforce.

Considerations for Manual Handling

Before lifting anything, think about the following:

1. Always use mechanical handling methods instead of manual handling whenever possible — such as forklifts or pallet trucks.
2. Know your own capabilities; only tackle jobs you can safely handle.
3. Decide whether you can manage the load yourself or if you need assistance.
4. Check that there is a clear walkway with good lighting to the work area.
5. Whenever possible, identify the weight of the load before lifting.
6. Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts and punctures.
7. Wear safety boots to protect your feet from falling loads.
8. Carry out a trial lift by gently rocking the load from side to side, then lifting it slightly to get a feel for its weight.

Good Handling Technique

Now let’s look at good, safe lifting technique:

1. Stand close to the load, feet hip-width apart, with one foot slightly forward in the direction you’re going.
2. Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
3. Get a secure grip on the load.
4. Breathe in before lifting — this helps support your spine.
5. Keep your back straight and lift using the strength of your legs.
6. Keep the load close to your body at all times.
7. Never carry a load that blocks your vision.
8. Lift slowly and smoothly.
9. Avoid jerky movements.
10. Never twist your body while lifting or carrying a load.
11. When lifting something from the floor to a high position, do it in two stages.
12. When two or more people lift a load, one person must take control and coordinate the lift.

Note to the Supervisor

Supervisors — please now inform your workforce of your company’s manual handling policy.

And remember:

Bad manual handling techniques cause injuries.

Manual Handling Training

If you need a Manual Handling Training Certificate, we can provide a complete online eLearning course.

Our Manual Handling Training is IIRSM and CPD Approved, and suitable for anyone who lifts, carries, or moves loads as part of their work.

To access the course, visit segurohealthandsafety.co.uk,

and select Health and Safety Training from the main menu.

Training can be completed on-site or at home.

And as soon as you pass the course, we’ll send your certificate immediately.