- Total 0,00 SEK
In addition to the basic requirements for risk assessment, the protection hierarchy and equipment selection, there are specific rules for certain types of work where the risk of falling from height is particularly high.
These rules are primarily found in AFS 2023:10 and AFS 2023:11, and impose additional requirements on planning, execution and protective measures.
Protection Against Falls in Construction and Civil Engineering Work
In construction and civil engineering work, there are specific requirements to protect against falls.
This applies, for example, to work:
- On roofs.
- At openings in floor slabs.
- On scaffolding.
- At excavations and changes in level.
Protection must be adapted to the risk and designed to effectively prevent falls.
Requirements for Protective Devices
Where there is a risk of falling, appropriate protective devices must be used.
Examples of protective devices:
- Guard rails.
- Protective coverings.
- Safety nets.
- Work platforms.
These are classified as collective protection measures and must be prioritised in accordance with the protection hierarchy.
Special Rules for Roof Work
Work on roofs often involves an elevated risk of falling and is therefore subject to specific requirements.
Protection must be provided against falls:
- At roof edges
- Where there is a risk of falling through the surface (fragile surfaces, e.g. rooflights)
- When working near openings
Protective measures may include, for example:
- Guard rails at roof edges
- Protective coverings
- Fall protection systems
The choice of protection must be based on risk assessment and working conditions.
Use of Ladders and Work Platforms
When working at height, specific requirements apply to how different types of work equipment may be used.
This means, among other things, that:
- Ladders should normally only be used for short-duration tasks.
- More stable solutions must be chosen for longer-duration work.
- Work platforms and scaffolding are often safer alternatives.
Access Routes and Safe Working Areas
Workplaces at height must be designed so that workers can access and leave the workplace safely.
This requires:
- Safe access routes (e.g. stairs, ladders or ramps).
- Sufficient space for work to be carried out.
- Stable and slip-resistant working surfaces.
Inadequate access or working areas can in themselves increase the risk of falling and must therefore be taken into account in the risk assessment.
Temporary Removal of Protective Measures
In certain situations it may be necessary to temporarily remove collective protective measures, for example during installation work or specific tasks.
This means that:
- Alternative protective measures must be in place in the interim.
- Work must be planned so that risks are minimised.
- Protective measures must be reinstated as soon as possible.
Planning and Coordination
Construction and civil engineering work requires specific planning and coordination to prevent the risk of falls.
This may include, among other things:
- Multiple parties coordinating their protective measures.
- Work tasks being planned in the correct sequence.
- Temporary risks being managed systematically.
Sources and References
AFS 2023:10
Chapter 4, Section 4 [...] Where necessary, the employer shall ensure that appropriate protective devices are provided [...].
AFS 2023:11
Annex 2 – 4.1.1 [...] The most suitable means of access to a temporary workplace at height shall be selected having regard to the frequency of passage, the height to be negotiated and the duration of use. [...].
Annex 2 – 4.1.3 Where it is necessary to temporarily remove a collective fall protection device in order to carry out work, other effective fall protection measures shall be taken. The work shall not be carried out until these measures have been implemented. When the work is complete or temporarily suspended, the collective fall protection devices shall be reinstated.
AFS 2023:13
Chapter 5, Section 60 The employer [...] shall ensure that the risk of falling to a lower level is prevented. [...].