Building a safer future at height

During my career in the construction industry, I’ve worn many hats – from site supervisor to safety leader. Most recently, I served as the Chief Safety Expert on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, working with Tata Consulting Engineers.

Throughout my 35 years, one thing has remained constant: my commitment to keeping people safe, especially when working at height.

Creating a culture that puts safety first

In my experience, organisations that truly prioritise safety at height start with leadership. When leaders understand that working at height is one of the most hazardous tasks on a site, they’re more likely to take proactive steps. A zero-tolerance policy for unsafe practices isn’t just a rule – it’s a mindset. It sends a clear message: every life matters, and every risk must be managed.

Technology that makes a difference

We’ve come a long way in terms of innovation. Powered access equipment, when used correctly and by trained personnel, has significantly reduced risks. Prefabricated platforms and access scaffolds have also become standard practice. These tools, combined with clear safety standards and strict compliance, have transformed how we approach work at height.

Supporting people after an incident

Even with the best precautions, incidents can happen. And when they do, the emotional impact is real. I’ve seen how deeply it affects not just the injured, but also their colleagues and families. That’s why it’s crucial to have support systems in place. 

A success story that stuck with me

On one of our projects, we had a recurring issue with falls from height while crews worked above ceilings. We introduced a simple but powerful solution: each crew had a dedicated “watcher”, whose sole job was to ensure everyone stayed tied off, especially when moving. That one change made a huge difference. From that point on, we had no further fall incidents for the rest of the project.

What needs to change

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for working at height. Every task needs a tailored risk assessment, and those assessments should be reviewed by leadership. When workers see that their safety is being taken seriously at the highest level, it builds trust. It shows that safety isn’t just a checkbox – it’s a core value.

Final thoughts

Working at height will always carry risks, but with the right mindset, tools and leadership, we can make it safer. I’ve seen the difference it makes – and I believe every organisation has the power to build a culture where safety comes first.