If your job involves working at height, you must be aware of the dangers involved if you do not do it with fully suitable equipment. You can face different situations such as a fall, a slip, the impact of something falling from above, or even electrical contact. That is why it is very important to invest time in finding a supplier that can provide you with safe, certified PPE and fall arrest systems.
In this article we will talk about how important it is to choose a quality supplier, and about the risks of choosing just any supplier.
When Is It Mandatory to Use Protection Systems for Work at Height?
In Spain, any work that involves being more than two meters above the ground requires the use of protection systems, and all work done from that distance up is therefore considered work at height. This applies in all cases, that is, to both one-off tasks and work that is repeated daily or routinely.
Whenever possible, collective protection systems (such as guardrails) should be given priority. If that is not feasible, then personal systems (such as a lifeline) are used.
Risks of Choosing a Bad Height Safety Supplier
Complying with safety measures in work at height is very important, and it is not only a legal matter of trying to avoid penalties but a question of human responsibility. When we do not properly protect our workers, or ourselves if we are the ones doing the task, whether for speed or convenience, what we are really doing is putting a human life at risk.
When it comes to high-risk work, we must not think about saving costs without regard for quality. Choosing a supplier without proper research can lead to serious consequences in the long run.
The first thing to evaluate when buying a supplier’s products is to check that the products have the necessary certifications, although other factors must also be taken into account so as not to expose yourself to risks such as:
- Uncertified products: systems may look safe and yet not be properly approved or tested to the required standards.
- Non-durable materials: equipment that deteriorates very quickly and will need replacing in a short time, increasing the cost in the long run.
- Poor adaptability: it may be uncomfortable to use. If a worker wears the PPE 8 hours a day and cannot be comfortable in their routine, it can cause discomfort, loss of concentration, and bodily harm.
- Sales and after-sales service: if equipment is chosen only for its low price, the supplier probably cannot offer guarantees during the sale or after-sales, such as speed or good inspections or maintenance.
It is important not to choose a supplier lightly but to look for the best quality, so that if an accident does occur, the harm is as small as possible. If we buy low-quality PPE or fall arrest systems, we risk the equipment not working properly, putting us in danger with:
- Falling objects: If an object falls on us, it can cause serious injury. To avoid this type of accident, besides insisting that all tools be well secured and taking care, it is important that the worker wear a helmet or the necessary PPE to avoid possible injuries.
- Impacts against access points or walls: we must avoid or minimize the harm.
- Electrical contact: This is a possibility when working with electrical machinery, so equipment in good condition that does not conduct electricity must be used.
Advantages of Investing Time in Finding a Good Supplier
We all know the saying “buy cheap, pay twice,” which makes even more sense in work where human lives are at risk. That is why, as we have been saying throughout this article, it is always important to invest our time in finding a supplier that can offer us the best quality, since in occupational safety and work at height there is no margin for failure.
Although at first it may seem a more expensive option because of the initial outlay, in most cases it ends up being cheaper in the long run. Why? Because medium- and long-term costs are noticeably reduced: fewer replacements, less maintenance, lower accident risk, and therefore fewer interruptions to operations.
By investing time in finding a quality supplier, we gain multiple advantages:
- A good supplier should offer systems that meet current regulations, so that we avoid penalties and legal problems.
- Better safety for our workers, which also means fewer injuries and accidents.
- By preventing injuries and falls, we avoid interruptions to the work and unnecessary stoppages. The result is greater efficiency and better productivity.
- As we mentioned, durability and strength will be much greater when top-quality materials are used in manufacturing.
- Better specialized technical advice: an expert supplier doesn’t just sell a product, but supports you throughout the process.
- Easier maintenance with better tools.
- Products with multiple configurations, so they can be used in different situations.
Why Choose Ypsos?
Ypsos doesn’t just manufacture fall protection products; we design complete solutions for the entire process, and we are there for you at every step of the post-purchase process.
- Certified and tested systems: all of our systems (guardrails and safety nets) are certified in accordance with the required standards.
- Custom designs, adapted to the structure and environment.
- We use the highest-quality materials to manufacture the safety devices and systems that we ourselves would want to use in our own day-to-day work.
- We have a network of accredited installers with specialized training.
By choosing us, you gain not only in quality and price, but also in peace of mind. A failure in fall protection often doesn’t give you a second chance.
So choosing a quality supplier is not an option, it’s a necessity. At Ypsos, we have spent years helping companies in all sectors comply with regulations and protect their teams. If you need the same, or have any questions, you can contact us and we will offer you personalized, no-obligation attention.