Climbing involves ascending or descending structures or objects, using the feet and legs, and or hands and arms. Climbing ladders, stairs, poles or posts, scaffolding, ramps or environmental aspects can be part of many job roles and can be challenging for people with physical or sensory disability (ErgoScience 1999).
Climbing and working at height can also be an occupational health and safety risk within a workplace. Employers and self employers have a responsibility to assess any risks and implement appropriate strategies to eliminate or control the risk (Australian Safety and Compensation Council 2007, WorkCover NSW 2007). The following fact sheets contains information about safety at work:
For employers and managers:
For job seekers and employees:
The following guide produced by WorkCover New South Wales provides practical advice and solutions for creating and maintaing a safe working environment when working at height. It is a PDF (Portable Document Format) that may not be accessible to some users of assistive technology. If you require help opening or using this document, please contact the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people who have difficulty climbing or for whome there are risks associated with climbing, there are a range of strategies that can help:
- elimination and substitution—consider completely removing or eliminating the employee's requirement to climb
- minimisation—try to decrease the frequency of climbing during the day where possible
- engineering—use of a handrails, stair lifts or more regular landings in ramps
- administration—modification of work systems and practices (for exampl, job rotation and good housekeeping
- training and supervision—ensuring workers operate equipment safely and properly to minimise risks associated with climbing; training to assist with safe work practices for climbing and prevention of falls from heights
- personal protective equipment—for example provision of gloves or harnesses.
(Australian Safety and Compensation Council 2007, WorkCover NSW 2007)
Aids and modifications that assist with climbing or reduce the risks associated with climbing include:
References and resources
Australian Safety and Compensation Council 2007,OHS Practical Solutions Database, Australian Safety and Compensation Council, Canberra, viewed 2 May 2007, <www.ascc.giv.au> and http://www.nohsc.gov.au/OHSInformation/Databases/OHSSolutions/hierarchy.htm
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., viewed 3 May 2007, http://www.ilcaustralia.org
Lechner, D 1999, ErgoScience: Job Demands Analysis, University of Alabama, Albama.
WorkCover New South Wales 2007, OHS Hazards/Safe Working at Heights, New South Wales Government, Sydney, viewed 3 May 2007, http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Publications/OHS/Hazards/hazardhierarchy.htm and http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/AA5A6EEB-1F00-4E6A-A18B-02452E1BF23D/0/safe_working_at_heights_guide_1321.pdf