Generic OiRA 20 February

2024

work at height

Overview of risks
Use it to:
Pass information to the people concerned.
Monitor whether risks / measures are properly dealt with.

Contents

Occupational Safety and Health management

First aid and emergency preparedness
Work premises and installations
Machinery and work equipment
Exposure to hazardous agents
Psychosocial risks
Work organisation
Risks of musculoskeletal disorders
Working at height
Working in warehouses
Office work and teleworking

Page 1 of 14
Occupational Safety and Health management
11

11 Unvisited

11 Possible Risks
11 Risks not answered
• There is a systematic approach for managing
occupational safety and health
• Workers and/or their representatives are
consulted on occupational safety and health
matters
• Workers are regularly informed and trained
regarding occupational risks and prevention
measures
• Occupational safety and health aspects are
taken into account when purchasing
equipment or products
• The appropriate surveillance of the health of
workers is ensured
• Workplace accidents/incidents are reported
and corrective measures are taken
• All cases of occupational diseases are reported
• Procedures (including OSH matters) for working
with contractors are in place
• The specific risks of workers with disabilities or
chronic health conditions are addressed
• Risks for pregnant or breastfeeding workers
are prevented
• Young workers/apprentices are supervised by
experienced workers

Page 2 of 14
First aid and emergency preparedness
8

8 Unvisited

8 Possible Risks
8 Risks not answered
• An emergency plan has been drawn up
• Procedures on infectious disease preparedness
are included in the emergency planning
• Emergency exits are clearly marked and
unobstructed
• Evacuation instructions and floor plans are
clearly displayed
• Adequate first aid arrangements are in place
• Adequate fire detection and extinguishing
equipment is in place and inspected regularly
• An adequate number of workers are trained as
first responders
• Workers know what to do in case of a serious
incident

Page 3 of 14
Work premises and installations
31

31 Unvisited

31 Possible Risks
31 Risks not answered
• Work areas are kept clear of slip, trip and fall
hazards
• Health and safety signs are in place to draw
workers' attention to hazards or provide
information
• Access to dangerous areas (e.g. pits, high-
voltage cabins) is restricted
• All stairs have a handrail and good slip
resistance properties
• Walkways and work surfaces at height are
provided with guardrails
• Storage rooms are safely organised
• Walkways are sufficiently wide and allow the
safe movement of pedestrians
• Outdoor walkways and parking lots are
sufficiently lit and well maintained
• Vehicles and pedestrians are kept apart as
much as possible
• Housekeeping practices are in place ensuring a
regular cleaning and maintenance of buildings
and premises
• The risks of exposure to asbestos have been
assessed
• Waste management procedures are in place
• Measures have been taken to limit fire risks
due to the storage of goods, products,
material and equipment
• Measures have been taken to control sources
of ignition (e.g. hot work)
• Measures have been taken to protect buildings
and premises against arson
• ATEX zones have been identified and
appropriate measures taken
• Safe working practices are in place for
refuelling machines and/or vehicles
• Indoor work areas are adequately lit
Page 4 of 14
• Good thermal comfort and good quality of
indoor air are ensured
• Measures have been taken to prevent or limit
the exposure to noise
• If work is carried out that generates
dust/vapours in indoor work areas, adequate
local exhaust ventilation is provided
• Measures have been taken to protect workers
who work in cold environments/cold store
rooms
• Measures have been taken to protect workers
who work in hot environments
• Measures have been taken to protect workers
against the risks of passive smoking
• Suitable break rooms are provided
• Suitable sanitary facilities (toilets, washbasins)
are provided
• Suitable washing and changing rooms are
provided
• Electricity, gas, heating and water supplies are
in order and are well maintained
• Only trained and authorised persons have
access to electrical switchgear
• Control measures have been taken to prevent
exposure to legionella
• Lifts and/or escalators are in good condition
and are properly maintained

Page 5 of 14
Machinery and work equipment
9

9 Unvisited

9 Possible Risks
9 Risks not answered
• When purchasing work equipment, attention is
paid to OSH aspects
• Machinery and powered work equipment are
CE marked
• Operator's manuals are available for all work
equipment
• Moving parts of machinery are appropriately
guarded or protected
• Measures have been taken to prevent or limit
the exposure to vibrations transmitted by
work equipment
• Workers are informed about and trained in the
safe use of work equipment
• Work equipment is correctly maintained and
checked before each use
• Lockout Tagout procedures are followed for
maintenance activities
• Sockets, electric cabling, extension cords and
electrical power tools are in good condition

Page 6 of 14
Exposure to hazardous agents
8

8 Unvisited

8 Possible Risks
8 Risks not answered
• Measures are taken to prevent or limit
exposure to chemical agents
• All chemicals (e.g. cleaning chemicals,
lubrication oils, paints, disinfectants, plant
protection products, solvents) are properly
labelled
• The Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available for
all hazardous chemicals
• Chemicals are stored in appropriate storage
rooms
• Safe working practices for the use of chemicals
are in place
• Gas cylinders are secured and appropriate
signage is in place
• Measures are taken to prevent or limit the
exposure to exhaust gases
• Measures are taken to prevent or limit
exposure to dust

Page 7 of 14
Psychosocial risks
6

6 Unvisited

6 Possible Risks
6 Risks not answered
• A psychosocial risk assessment has been
carried out
• Tasks and responsibilities are clear to workers
• Workers are involved in how their tasks are
organised
• Measures are in place to prevent bullying and
sexual harassment
• Measures are in place to prevent acts of third-
party violence
• Workers are informed on how to seek support
for coping with work-related stress

Page 8 of 14
Work organisation
3

3 Unvisited

3 Possible Risks
3 Risks not answered
• Workers' capabilities and skills match well with
the work requirements
• OSH aspects are considered when arranging
work schedules
• The workload of the workers is managed so
that they can balance work and private life

Page 9 of 14
Risks of musculoskeletal disorders
7

7 Unvisited

7 Possible Risks
7 Risks not answered
• Work benches and other work surfaces are at
an appropriate height
• Frequent lifting and carrying of heavy loads are
avoided
• Frequent pushing and pulling of heavy loads
are avoided
• Repetitive tasks are avoided
• Tasks requiring prolonged working in awkward
postures are avoided
• Tasks requiring prolonged sitting are avoided
• Tasks requiring prolonged standing are
avoided

Page 10 of 14
Working at height
1 5

1 No risk

5 Unvisited

5 Possible Risks
5 Risks not answered
• Ladders are used in a safe manner
• When working on roofs, measures are taken to
prevent falls
• Scaffolding is properly assembled and
regularly inspected
• Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are
safely used
• Climbing equipment, including ropes and
anchorage, is only used by competent and
trained workers

Page 11 of 14
Working in warehouses
6

6 Unvisited

6 Possible Risks
6 Risks not answered
• Whenever possible, separate routes for vehicle
traffic are provided
• Workplace traffic routes are suitable for the
vehicles using them
• Racking systems are kept in good condition
and are checked regularly
• The battery charging area is well ventilated
• Measures are taken to prevent vehicles from
falling off loading bays
• Loading bays are equipped with handrails or
other safeguards to prevent people from
falling

Page 12 of 14
Office work and teleworking
10

10 Unvisited

10 Possible Risks
10 Risks not answered
• Each computer workstation provides its user
with sufficient space to work comfortably and
change posture
• Computer workstations are positioned so as to
avoid reflection/glare
• Workers are provided with suitable, adjustable
office furniture
• All display screen equipment (keyboard,
mouse, screen) is properly laid out
• Workers who use a laptop for a prolonged
period of time are provided with a separate
keyboard, mouse and screen (or laptop stand)
• Headsets are provided to workers who carry
out tasks that require the frequent use of a
phone
• In open plan offices, secluded workspaces and
separate meeting rooms are provided
• Workers who work for prolonged periods with
display screen equipment are encouraged to
take sufficient breaks
• Printers and copiers that are used regularly are
positioned well away from staff
• Workers who regularly work from home are
encouraged to stay in touch with their
colleagues

Page 13 of 14
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