- But whatever you do, just don’t walk under the ladders…
Occasionally, construction job-sites will require you to work from a great height. Falls from a height are one of the leading causes of death and injury on job-sites, so it’s critically important for you to take this risk seriously.
What are the best ways to mitigate risk when working from a great height? And what tools are right for the job?
Avoidance and Situational Control
First, understand that the best way to minimize the risk of a fall is to avoid working from great heights whenever possible. Climbing to a higher level may not be the only option for a given job.
For example, instead of climbing to the top of a building to wash the windows, you may be able to use extension tools to clean the windows from the ground. Instead of completing construction jobs from great heights, you can construct each layer of the building on the ground and raise it into place.
The less you need to work from a great height, the safer your jobsite is going to be.
Ladders
Ladders are still indispensable tools for a variety of construction jobs and responsibilities, but it’s important to use ladders safely to minimize the risk of a fall. Using the wrong ladder, or using the ladder irresponsibly could result in injury or death.
– The right ladder. The most important choice you’ll make is deciding which ladder you want to use for the job. There are many different types of ladders, constructed out of different materials for different purposes. For example, aluminum and fiberglass ladders tend to be more resilient than wooden ladders, which are disappearing from job-sites because of their lower reliability. You should also avoid using an extension ladder when a stepladder is more appropriate.
– Maintenance and inspection. Before using a ladder, you should always give it a thorough inspection. Check to make sure each component of the ladder is working as intended and capable of supporting you safely; for example, if you notice any damage to the rubber feet, you may rightfully doubt whether the ladder can be used safely. The rungs of the ladder should also be completely clean and free from rot, damage, or debris.
– Proper use. Always exercise caution when using a ladder, following the specific instructions for this type of ladder very closely. Most ladders require you to keep them on a flat, level surface at a specific angle; verify that you’re following these requirements precisely.
Lifts and Scaffolding
Ladders aren’t always the safest choice. On some job-sites, it makes more sense to use a lift or established scaffolding to get to the right level.
Guardrails and Edge Protection
One of the best ways to improve safety when working from a great height is to install permanent guardrails and other forms of edge protection. When these permanent structures are in place, it becomes almost impossible for a person to fall. If you’re not capable of installing permanent forms of edge protection, temporary edge protection may be a suitable alternative.
Work Restraint/Travel Restriction Systems
Work restraint and travel restriction systems use points of connection to prevent people from ever being in a position where they could fall. For example, you may be tethered to the building with a cord that isn’t long enough to allow you to drop off the edge.
Damage Mitigation
You can also increase worker safety by mitigating damage, should a fall occur in spite of your other safety installations.
– Fall arrest systems. Fall arrest systems are designed to prevent workers from falling great distances even if they slip off their main work platform. These systems typically include a harness, as well as a cable, designed to catch a person in the air before they hit the ground.
– Safety nets. On larger job-sites, you may want to install a safety net that can catch people safely even after falling many stories.
– Air bags and soft landing systems. Air bags and other forms of soft landing systems may also be valuable forms of protection.
Education and Training
Don’t forget to educate and train all your employees, so they can use your safety equipment and follow your safety standards appropriately. If your employees aren’t taught how to use ladders properly or how to minimize the risk of a fall, they may not be able to operate safely.
The Value of Safety Culture
When everyone in your organization takes safety seriously, it becomes much easier to minimize risk and work from great heights responsibly. That’s why one of your highest priorities should be introducing and enforcing an organization-wide safety culture.
With a safety-centric mindset, your supervisors, safety advisors, and employees will be in a much better position to make the right choices – and reduce the collective risks faced by your workers.
Hits: 0
