In Construction, Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems are a common way to work at height - and a common source of falls when they are misused. This guide explains how Construction teams in Ireland use Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems safely, and why a Working at Heights Course ties it all together.
Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems in Construction: where the risk lies
A two-storey block where roofers, blocklayers and a MEWP operator all work above ground on the same day, each needing their own safe system of work. Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems are suited to fall arrest or restraint only where collective protection (guardrails, platforms) is not reasonably practicable, but in a Construction setting the margin for error is small.
Pre-use checks for Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems
Before any Construction worker uses Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems, confirm that:
- Stitching is intact
- The inspection is in date and recorded
- Webbing is free of cuts, fraying, chemical or heat damage
- The anchor point is rated and suitable
The relevant standard here is EN 361 (harness), EN 355 (energy-absorbing lanyard), EN 360 (retractable), inspected before use and thoroughly examined at least every 12 months.
Common Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems faults to never ignore
- No rescue plan for suspension trauma
- Unsuitable or unrated anchors
- Wrong lanyard length creating fall-clearance issues
- Damaged or contaminated webbing
Construction sites also fall under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, with the PSCS coordinating work-at-height between contractors. Safe Pass covers site access but is not a Working at Heights ticket.
The Working at Heights Course makes compliance simple
Here is the good news: getting compliant is fast and inexpensive. Our Working at Heights Course is delivered fully online, takes about 45 minutes, and issues a downloadable certificate the same day. It is CPD certified, RoSPA approved and QQI aligned, and it is written specifically for Construction teams using Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems.
The Working at Heights Training covers the avoid-prevent-minimise hierarchy, ladder and stepladder safety, MEWPs and scaffolds, harnesses and anchor points, and how to carry out a proper risk assessment. Every learner finishes with a recognised Working at Heights Certificate that stands up to HSA inspection and supports your insurance position.
Training that goes beyond the tick-box
Insurers now ask directly whether your team holds current Working at Heights certification before they price a policy or settle a claim involving Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems in Construction. A worker hurt at height with no Working at Heights Certificate turns a defensible incident into an indefensible one, and that follows your premium for years.
The rescue plan is the part most teams forget. If a worker doing Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems in Construction falls and is left hanging in a harness, suspension trauma can become life-threatening within minutes. Calling the emergency services is not a rescue plan; having the equipment, the trained people and the method to recover them quickly is. Our Working at Heights Training makes that planning routine.
Frequently asked questions
Do Construction workers need training to use Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems?
Yes. Safe use of Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems is part of working at height. A Working at Heights Course covers selection, inspection and safe use for Construction tasks.
How often should Harnesses and Fall-Arrest Systems be inspected?
Before every use by the operator, plus formal recorded inspections to the relevant standard. Keep the logs for HSA inspection.
Is online training enough for Construction height work?
Our online Working at Heights Training covers the legal and safe-system knowledge; equipment-specific practical tickets (such as IPAF or PASMA) are added where the task requires them.
Get certified today
Do not wait for an HSA inspection or a near miss to act. Construction teams can complete the Working at Heights Course online in 45 minutes and download a certificate the same day. For 10 or more learners, see our team training rates, or contact our team for a tailored quote.
Start the online Working at Heights Training now and put a recognised certificate in every worker's file before the next job at height begins.
