Working at Height: Reset the Controls Before the First Climb

Working at height remains one of the most significant risk profiles across UAE construction projects, demanding constant vigilance from site management and operatives alike. As structural works progress and environmental conditions shift, the integrity of access systems and fall prevention measures can be compromised by daily activity, unauthorized modifications, or even the subtle effects of coastal humidity and wind. Resetting these controls at the start of every week ensures that every worker begins their task from a verified safe position, rather than relying on the status of the site as it was left on Friday afternoon.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) mandates that workplace preventive measures must include comprehensive protection against work injuries and dangers arising from equipment [1]. This regulatory focus aligns with international best practices, such as the ISO 45001 framework, which prioritizes systematic hazard identification and risk assessment as fundamental pillars of worker safety. For teams operating at elevation, this means moving beyond a simple visual check to a rigorous, evidence-based reset of all physical barriers, access equipment, and emergency response procedures before the first climb of the shift.

Monday morning briefing

The transition into the work week requires a deliberate pause to inspect the critical infrastructure that keeps our teams safe at height. Whether utilizing fixed scaffolding, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), or suspended cradles, the baseline for safety must be re-established. It is not uncommon for scaffold components to be loosened or for edge protection to be temporarily removed during material deliveries over the weekend. A "reset" approach means treating every Monday as a new installation phase where nothing is assumed to be safe until it is physically verified and documented.

Human factors also require attention. This includes verifying that all operatives are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in serviceable condition. UV exposure in the UAE can degrade synthetic webbing, making pre-use inspections critical. Changing weather, such as sudden gusts, necessitates reviewing wind speed limits to maintain stability while working in exposed locations.

Start-of-shift questions

• Has the specific work platform or scaffold been inspected and tagged by a competent person within the last seven days?
• Are all personal fall arrest components free from visible wear, chemical damage, or UV-related degradation?
• Have all floor openings, leading edges, and transit routes been verified as fully protected by physical barriers?
• Is the site-specific rescue plan understood by all team members, and is the rescue equipment immediately accessible?

Project control note

This briefing is provided as operational guidance only and does not supersede site-specific safety requirements. The reader must verify approved Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS), valid work permits, the specific client safety plan, and all applicable federal, emirate, free-zone, and local authority requirements before commencing any work at height.

Put the evidence in one place

A clear trail of safety evidence is a core component of a high-performance safety culture. Centralizing logs and photos allows teams to address hazards before they lead to incidents. In the UAE's fast-paced environment, digital record-keeping allows for real-time verification, ensuring safety is managed with precision.

Next step: Open the HSE operations dashboard to record the briefing, action owners and completion evidence.

1. MOHRE — Occupational Health and Safety
2. ISO — ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems