Different Examples of Work at Height: What You Need to Know
Working at height can be a dangerous job if the correct safety precautions aren’t taken. In this blog post, we will discuss different types of work at height and what you need to know to stay safe while performing these tasks. We will also provide some examples of common injuries that occur while working at height.
Some of the most common injuries that can occur while working at height include slips, trips, and falls. These types of accidents are often caused by a lack of proper safety equipment or training. Other common injuries include falling objects, electrocution, and exposure to hazardous materials.
Working at height can be a dangerous job, but with the proper safety precautions in place, it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the risks and taking the necessary steps to avoid them, you can help keep yourself and your coworkers safe.
Working At Height Examples
Working at height refers to any work done in an elevated area, whether it is on a ladder, scaffolding, or even just standing on a chair. It is important to take precautions when working at height, as there is always a risk of falling and injuring yourself.
Note also that the definition does not mention ground level, so it is possible to work at height while underground, or at ground level, e.g. at the side of a sheer drop.)
Construction and maintenance work often requires people to work at height. Examples of workers who might be required to work at height include:
- Steelworkers erect the steel framework of a building.
- Scaffolders erecting or striking (taking down) a scaffold.
- Roofers cladding the roof of a steel-framed building.
- Demolition workers dismantled machinery in a multi-story building.
- Welders working at the side of deep excavation.
- Pipefitters fixing pipework to the ceiling of a factory workshop.
- Painters working on the external walls of a building.
Additional Working at Height Examples.
Follow are the examples of working at height while:
- Using a ladder.
- Using a scaffold.
- Using an aerial lift.
- Using a boom lift.
- Using a cherry picker.
- Using a scissor lift.
- Using a man lift.
- Painting or repairing a building.
- Cleaning windows.
- Washing a vehicle.
- Power washing a building.
- Using a power washer from an aerial lift.
- Roofing a house.
- Shingling a roof.
- Installing gutters or downspouts.
- Installing solar panels on a roof.
- Doing masonry work on a tall building.
- Using a crane to move heavy objects.
- Using a boom truck to move large objects.
- Using an aerial lift to trim trees.
Some of these types of work will inherently involve work at height (e.g. scaffolding) and so those involved will be very used to working at height. This can lead to complacency. Other types of work, however, do not always involve work at height, so those involved may lack competence.
Different Types Of Work At Height
There are many different types of work at height, each with its own set of hazards. Some of the most common include:
- Ladder work: Working on or near ladders can be extremely dangerous, as they can easily tip over or collapse. Ladder falls are some of the most common causes of serious injury in the construction industry.
- Scaffold work: Scaffolds can be very dangerous if they are not properly assembled and used. Falls from scaffolds is one of the leading causes of fatal injuries in the construction industry.
- Roof work: Roof work can be extremely hazardous, as there is a risk of falling off the roof or through an opening. roofs can also be unstable and collapse.
- General work at height: Any work that is done at a height above ground level carries with it a certain degree of risk. This includes work on ladders, scaffolds, roofs, and any other type of elevation.
When working at height, it is important to take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety. This includes using the proper equipment, following safety procedures, and being aware of the hazards involved. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death.
The main risks associated with working at height are:
- The worker falls from height. Falls from height can result in: –– Death – working at height causes a higher proportion of fatalities than all other types of construction work, –– Neck or spinal injuries, leading to permanent paralysis, –– Multiple broken bones.
- An object falls onto people below. Falling objects can also cause severe injuries that may result in death, brain damage, paralysis, or multiple broken bones.