Working at heights is no joke – quite literally. It’s a vital skill for many professionals, especially in the construction sector, but it does come with its share of risks. In this blog post, we’d like to address the gravity of the situation (pun intended) with a lighthearted approach to underline some key do-not when you’re doing your job a little closer to the clouds.
Mistakes to Avoid
Mistakes happen, but when the mistake involves a great fall and an uninspiring end, it’s best to avoid them at all costs.
Lack of Proper Training
Think of harnesses and safety nets as seat belts and airbags for working at heights. They’re not just there for show; they’re there because if something goes awry, you’re going to be thankful for the backup. But knowing the difference between a lanyard and a retractable is only the start; you need to spend time in those safety boots, harnessing and re-harnessing to know the rig right, not just by book but by feel. Workplace Access & Safety offers safety engineers to look after your employees and your work family.
Ignoring Safety Equipment
Imagine you’re at the supermarket and right in front of you is an aisle with all the ingredients you need to bake a cake. It’s a lovely fantasy laced with the sweet aroma of a successful bake-off. But assume someone threw in a rare ingredient called ‘potential safety gear’. It’s not a matter of choice. You don’t deliberately ignore it because the safety police are on holiday.
Overlooking Weather Conditions
The skies may be clear, but it takes only one rogue gust of wind to mess with you. It’s the Hazards Inc. weather report – sometimes sunny, sometimes life-altering unpredictable. Don’t assume it’s going to be a smooth day; always check the forecast, or at least listen out for ominous music in the background.
Improper Ladder Usage
If climbing a ladder got you out of a pit of quicksand in old movies, in reality, it can land you in actual quicksand of administrative filings and health scares. Learn the 4-to-1 rule, make sure the top extends three feet above the point of contact, and never overreach; not for that shiny apple at the top of the tree nor for that tempting, barely out-of-reach brick.
Not Securing Tools and Materials
It’s the sky’s domain; things are a tad more weightless up there. One moment of distraction, and your toolbox might be well on its way to becoming a foot-well hazard for someone about to step foot on Mother Earth. “But they’re tools,” you say. “They stick around.” gravity’s cruel kiss brings them back down.
Consequences of Mistakes
Injuries, Fatalities, Legal Ramifications
An unexpected slip-up on a higher level isn’t just hypothetical; it’s a serious incident with repercussions for everyone involved – from the worker who misplaced their step to the company who misplaced their priority.
Wrapping Up
Working at heights isn’t just about reaching new heights in your career; it’s about making sure you reach for gloves before you reach for wires and that the height of your cautiousness measures up to the task at hand. Remember, the view may be breathtaking, but it’s not worth the breathlessness that comes with forgetting safety.
