Collective protection is the preferred method of protection when working at height is unavoidable. If there were a hierarchy for work at height safety recommendations from the Health and Safety Executive, then it would look something like this:
- Avoid work at height wherever possible
- If you must work at height, try to use equipment such as cherry pickers etc to avoid being on a roof at all (especially if that roof is fragile)
- Collective protection systems to protect multiple workers at once whilst working at height
- Personal height safety systems designed for single users at a time whilst working at height requiring personal protective equipment
So although it isn’t at the top of the list, when working at height is unavoidable (such as in the construction industry or roofing industry carrying out maintenance, repair and other related tasks), collective protection is still up there and clearly ahead of personal protection.
If you’re responsible for the safety of individuals working at height at a site or building, then you’ll always need to consider if collective protection measures (such as edge protection or safety nets as a backup) are a better option compared to personal protective measures (like individual fall arrest systems).
In this guide we’ll find out when collective protection is best, discuss the different types of collective protection measures and their uses, advantages, and disadvantages, and help you decide which height safety system is best for you today! There can be serious consequences to getting it wrong, so find out how to make your site low risk below.
Of course, you could always just contact our team, and we’ll conduct a thorough site survey and risk assessment to determine what’s best for your site to make it as safe as it can be for those working at height. Either way, our guide today will be invaluable to you as you get to know collective protection.
What Is Collective Protection?
Collective Protection, according to Work At Height Regulations (2005), is an important part of ensuring individuals can work at height safely. It’s essentially any safety measure that’s been put in place that’s capable of protecting multiple workers at once should an accident happen. If more than one person is working at height then a physical barrier must be created between them and an edge with a drop that could cause injury should they fall.
They’re the preferred method when work at height is unavoidable, as it’s a safety solution that nobody needs to activate (unless the protection is temporary, of course, then it may need to be activated e.g. collapsible guardrails being erected before work begins). It’s different from personal protective measures, and we’ll explore how below.
Collective vs Personal Protective Measures
If a collective measure protects multiple people at once, then a personal protective measure only offers support to an individual whilst working at height. Examples of personal protective measures include:
- Horizontal safety line systems
- Vertical safety line systems
- Mobile man anchors
- Eyebolts & anchor points
They’re sometimes necessary, but collective measures ought to be considered first according to the HSE before personal protective control measures are looked into (e.g. rope access systems and the like).
How Do I Know Which Measure Is Best?
The only way you’ll know whether a collective measure or personal measure is best is by carrying out a thorough risk assessment and by following the HSE’s hierarchy of control measures, which makes clear that where working at height is unavoidable, collective measures of control and safety are superior to personal measures.
If you’re unsure which system is right for your site or building, contact our team today. We’ll carry out a site assessment and ensure you get the right system for your safety needs.
Collective Protection Examples
Although not an exhaustive list by any means, here are some of the most popular collective protection systems you can install at your site. Here at Altus Safety, we can design, install and maintain all of the systems below, too:
- Edge Protection: Fixed, Freestanding & Collapsible Guardrails
- Skylight Protection: Modular & uPVC Skylight Protection
Let’s explore those examples below so you can understand what they’re used for and their various pros and cons:
Fixed Guardrails
A fixed guardrail, as the name suggests, is a form of edge protection system that is fixed in place permanently. It’s typically attached to the roof or roof membrane in some way for the ultimate safety solution.
When To Use
Fixed guardrails are excellent for pitched roofs that require regular maintenance, work, or access. They are load tested to protect workers should they fall, and are great at stopping falling objects too. Use this if regular access is required as they’ll be fixed permanently in place.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Permanent edge protection designed to meet your exact needs. | Potential risk to roof membrane depending on your roof state and materials. |
| Fixed into position for greater reassurance. | |
| Suitable for frequent access and long durations with low level of risk. |
Freestanding Guardrails
Freestanding guardrails are slightly different, but they offer the same level of overall collective edge protection. They still guarantee safety, but they’re freestanding, meaning they aren’t fixed to the roof, instead they use a counterbalance system that doesn’t risk damaging the roof membrane.
When To Use
Freestanding systems are a modular design, so they can be installed on almost any roof depending on your needs. Their freestanding design is excellent for those who might have a more delicate roof material. Without needing to be attached to the roof membrane, they offer greater versatility for those requiring a permanent edge protection solution.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Doesn’t require fixing into the roof membrane. | Some people may be concerned about it not being fixed onto the roof, but these fears aren’t warranted. |
| Greater flexibility thanks to modular design. | |
| Innovative counterbalance systems still provide high standards of height safety. |
Collapsible Guardrails
Collapsible guardrails are a form of temporary edge protection system because they need to be activated before use. These systems can be erected and collapsed as required, helping you preserve the aesthetic of your roof line.
When To Use
These are the perfect edge protection system for those who don’t require frequent access to a roof. If roof access is only occasionally required for maintenance tasks, then a temporary solution such as this can be the perfect solution to your height safety needs.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Collapsible design allows you to preserve your roof’s aesthetics. | Not suitable if you require frequent roof access for work. |
| The perfect temporary collective measure. | |
| Load tested to a high standard despite its temporary nature. |
Modular Skylight Protection
A modular skylight protection system is designed to protect workers who are completing work on a roof with fragile skylights or rooflights. They fit over the skylight to protect workers permanently, not allowing them to accidentally step on the fragile roof surface and fall through – a common problem.
When To Use
Whenever a rooflight is present on a roof for maximum protection. Modular design allows for greater versatility depending on size and number of rooflights.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Collective permanent protection that only needs inspecting by a specialist company once a year. | N/A |
| Modular design allows for great versatility. | |
| Galvanised steel – strong material. |
uPVC Skylight Protection
An alternative to modular systems are uPVC skylight protection systems. They work in exactly the same manner but are more affordable thanks to their uPVC material makeup.
When To Use
Use these when budget is a concern and the layout of your rooflights are uniform and easily avoidable.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| More affordable option. | Strong material but not as long lasting as galvanised steel. |
| Offers permanent collective protection. | |
| Requires little maintenance beyond a yearly inspection. |
OK, I Know Collective Protection Is Right For Me – Which Do I Choose?
Hopefully the above guide has proved useful in helping you get to know the main forms of collective protection whilst working at height. But we understand that with so many options it can feel a little overwhelming.
First you need to decide what the issue is. If you have skylights on your roof, then it is imperative that you have this covered permanently by a safety solution. The HSE found that one fifth of all deaths whilst working at height were caused by a worker falling through a skylight. Only by opting for skylight protection can you guarantee your worker’s safety.
However, you might require edge protection in the form of a guardrail if roof access is required at your site. The frequency of that access will determine if you need a fixed/freestanding guardrail or a collapsible one. Deciding between freestanding and fixed will come down to your roof’s state, structure and material to decide which is best.
If finding sufficient measures feels too hard, don’t worry, we can help…
How Altus Safety Can Help You
At Altus Safety we’re used to supporting individuals in the work at height space to get the safety system they need to remain fully compliant with all relevant work at height regulations and British Standards.
We carry out a full risk assessment and site survey and then discuss what is required to satisfy regulations and any recommendations we think could improve the safety of your site beyond the minimum requirements.
Once we’ve discussed your project and agreed to the full scope, we’ll provide you with a quote and timeline for the work. With our 3+ decades of experience, we’ll be able to help you find the perfect collective protection safety measure for your site.
Ultimate Guide To Collective Fall Protection: Final Thoughts
Collective protection is a superior safety measure that all those responsible for the safety of workers carrying out tasks at height should consider as the first port of call when working at height is unavoidable. It offers protection to multiple users at once without relying on the individual using the equipment correctly. It’s simply there waiting to protect should a fall occur.
If you require collective protection from a reputable company specialising in height safety, then we can help. We’re a team of dedicated height safety experts on a mission to make every site and building across the UK as safe as it can possibly be. Contact us today.