Raising the Bar: Why Safety at Height is Essential

Working from height is integral to many industries, from construction and maintenance to roofing and telecommunications. While necessary, it also carries significant risks. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height continue to be the leading cause of serious injuries in the workplace, especially in industries like construction and maintenance. The higher the elevation, the greater the risk of severe injuries. The unpredictability of weather conditions, slippery surfaces, and working with limited space make falls even more likely. Effective safety measures must be in place to minimise these risks. Read on to find out how some key Kite Group products can mean the difference between life and death when working at height.

Freestanding Roof Edge Protection

A safety measure that is soaring on popularity in 2025 is the installation of freestanding roof edge protection. This system consists of barriers placed at the perimeter of a roof to prevent workers from falling off the edge. It acts as a physical safeguard to keep personnel safe, ensuring that they do not accidentally slip or lose their balance, particularly when performing tasks near the roof’s edge.

The key benefit of freestanding edge protection is that it doesn’t require any penetration or alteration to the roof itself, making it an ideal solution for buildings that cannot be damaged. The barriers are designed to be highly durable, resistant to adverse weather conditions, and able to withstand significant forces. This makes them a reliable, long-term solution for improving safety during rooftop tasks.

Handrails: A Simple, Yet Effective Solution

Handrails are another important safety feature for anyone working at height. These simple barriers, often used in conjunction with scaffolding or ladders, provide workers with a secure handhold to maintain their balance while moving around elevated areas. Whether along a staircase, a platform, or around a roof’s edge, handrails significantly reduce the likelihood of falls by giving workers extra stability and confidence.

The advantages of handrails include:

• Improved Balance and Stability: Workers can grip the handrails to keep themselves steady when navigating steep or uneven surfaces.

• Easy to Install: Handrails can be added to existing structures or integrated into new construction without disrupting operations. Our tube clamp system is composed of modular parts that can be combined to suit any requirements, while our ball standard system is a secure and quick-to-install alternative.

• Compliance with Safety Standards: Many safety regulations require handrails in specific work environments to comply with local health and safety laws, so their installation is both practical and legally required. system.

GRP Walkways: Enhanced Footing and Comfort

When workers need to move around roofs, platforms, or elevated structures, GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) walkways offer an ideal solution. These walkways are designed to provide a safe, non-slip surface for workers to walk on, reducing the risks of trips and slips, which are common causes of accidents when working at height.

The benefits of GRP walkways include:

• Slip Resistance: GRP walkways are specifically designed to offer enhanced grip, even in wet or icy conditions. This makes them a reliable solution for outdoor environments.

• Durability: GRP is corrosion-resistant and can withstand harsh environmental conditions like rain, snow, and wind. It’s especially useful for rooftop applications where other materials might degrade over time.

• Lightweight and Easy to Install: Despite being strong and durable, GRP walkways are relatively lightweight, which simplifies their installation process and reduces transport and labour costs.

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Ladders: Ensuring Safe Access to Elevated Areas

Ladders are indispensable tools for accessing heights. However, if they are not properly designed or maintained, they can pose serious safety risks. Permanent Access Ladders are stable, well-constructed and easy to use. These ladders are fixed in place and often come with cages for added support. Our permanent ladders always comply with industry safety standards, ensuring they provide adequate support for workers and are designed to withstand environmental conditions. Our ladders are also sold in kits or as separate component parts, meaning whatever the requirements of your project, we can cater to it.

Combining Safety Measures for Maximum Protection

The best way to ensure safety when working at height is by combining multiple safety measures. For instance, a rooftop area could feature a combination of freestanding edge protection to prevent falls, GRP walkways to offer stable footing, handrails for support, and safe ladders for access. By creating an integrated safety system, you significantly reduce the risk of accidents, improve efficiency and create a work environment where employees feel secure and protected.

Overall, the risks associated with working at height are significant, but with the right safety measures in place, the chances of accidents can be drastically reduced. Freestanding roof edge protection, handrails, GRP walkways, and ladders are all effective tools for improving safety and preventing falls. By investing in these safety solutions, employers not only comply with regulations but also show a commitment to the well-being of their workforce. Ultimately, ensuring that workers have a safe environment to operate in is crucial, and these measures represent some of the best practices for achieving that goal.

If you’re in an industry where working at height is a part of your daily operations, consider implementing these safety measures to protect your team. Speak to Kite today to prevent potential life-threatening accidents.

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