Risks when working on masts and poles

The most common risks occur in the immediate vicinity of masts and poles. Employees risk falling from height, for example due to

• lack of physical fitness to cope with the climb
• faulty pole climbing shoes
• the mast or pole collapsing or falling
• the mast, pole or employee being hit by a vehicle.

Other risks include

• falling debris (ice), tools etc. from the mast
• lightning striking the mast or pole.

These risks are examples of what should be included in the risk assessment.

How to prevent risks when working on masts and poles

There is a great deal you can do to prevent the risks.

Ensure that your employees have sufficient physical fitness

The Swedish Work Environment Authority requires those who climb higher than 13 metres undergo medical assessments. The requirement means that the majority of work involving local pole networks for telecommunications, low-voltage power distribution, street lighting, and similar tasks are exempt from the requirement for medical assessments.

Ensure that equipment is safe to use

It is important to ensure that the equipment is safe. The Swedish Work Environment Authority previously had special regulations for pole climbing shoes, but these have been replaced by the general rules for work equipment in the Swedish Work Environment Authority's provisions and general guidelines (AFS 2023:11) on work equipment and personal protective equipment - safe use, chapter 2.

Check the condition of masts and poles

Check the condition of masts and posts before work begins. This can include checking whether they have been regularly maintained. If this has not been done, there is reason to take special safety measures, for example to replace the entire pole or to use a skylift instead of climbing the pole.

The Swedish Work Environment Authority has removed the rules for how the facility should be managed because completed buildings are under the supervisory responsibility of the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning and other authorities.

Protect employees from wind, weather and traffic

Before work on and around the mast begins, it is also important to protect the facility and employees from falling objects, lightning strikes, traffic, and similar hazards that may enter the risk area. The employer must ensure that, for example, work is not carried out during thunderstorms, ice conditions or storms.

To prevent unauthorised access to the risk area, appropriate signage such as warning signs, should be used when necessary.

The employer is responsible for the risks

As an employer, you are responsible for reducing the risks in work on masts and posts, just as you are responsible for all aspects of the work environment. You must be familiar with the Work Environment Act and other work environment regulations.

Employees and safety representatives are important for a safe work environment

Employees and safety representatives do not have any formal responsibility, but they still have an important role in work environment management.

As an employee, you must follow the employer's instructions. The employer must also give you the opportunity to participate in work environment management. For example, you can report risks, incidents, illness and accidents, suggest measures and provide feedback on what your employer has implemented.