Common Hazards When Working at Height

The Common Hazards When Working at Height

Poor conceptual design of the permanent works

Poor structural design

Poor functional design

Inadequate planning and provision of weather

Structural elements incorrectly erected or installed

Poor (or perhaps no) workplace design

Signalling systems (manual, mechanical, electronic) malfunction

Misuse (elements and equipment not used as designed or planned)

Unprotected edges and openings

Loads insecurely attached

Release of pressure (concrete pumps)

Many of the hazards which arise have these causes

Poor mechanical design (breaks in use, not powerful enough, components fracture or malfunction)

Poor functional design (not properly designed for the stated purpose)

Poor workplace design

Signalling systems (manual, mechanical, electronic) malfunction

Misuse (not used as designed)

Loads insecurely attached

Release of pressure (concrete pumps)

Poor maintenance (breaks or emits noxious gases)

These cause the following hazards

Workers put in dangerous positions

Workers handling very heavy or awkward loads causing falls or injury

Falls due to collapses of partly built permanent works

Workers crushed by falling or otherwise moving elements or equipment

Falling machinery or parts of machinery

Falling loads

Crushing due to impact of moving or toppling plant and equipment

Impact of release of pressure

Falling from plant and equipment

Falls caused by swinging loads, plant and equipment

Limbs or bodies caught in parts of the permanent works or machinery

Physiological damage through exposure to weather

Poor ergonomics

Physiological and psychological damage through stress of dangerous work

Stress caused by poor environment

Other hazards

These are, of course, just some of the main hazards, there are much more which are specific to particular projects.

Each project must be assessed specifically and all hazards are taken into account.