Working at heights in construction works is associated with hazards and accidents. Thus, protection procedures are of utmost importance while working at heights.
At least 50-60 deaths are accounted per year in construction projects with number of injuries around 4000 due to accidents associated with working at heights.
These risks are mostly subjected to the painters and the decorators who maintain the facade beauty of the construction structures. Some of the miscellaneous works that are done in large heights are the window cleaning, maintenance work at height, changing of the street lamps, tree surgery etc.
Regulations for Working at Heights were prepared which provides protection process to be followed during such works. This not only include the construction work but also all works that must be carried out at height.
A study conducted by the Health and Safety Engineer on past 5-year period record of construction accidents conclude that a well-designed construction projects have lesser chance to welcome hazards and accidents.
adequate dimensions for guard rails must be provided as per the building regulation of that particular area / state for the construction of warehouses, factories, public buildings, retail premises, offices etc.
Certain hierarchy of measures were taken by the work at height regulations to save the laborers from accidents due to the working at heights. They are:
Understanding the safety risks associated with each type of construction work such as brick masonry, wall plastering, painting etc. working at height in a construction projects involves hazards and risks. is needed for safety and precautions.
Preparing a checklist for risk associated with each work and then following it on building site is essential first step towards working at height. Training of workmen for safety risks and hazards is the next step. Regular supervision by a competent supervisor is necessary for working at heights.
For details how to work at heights in construction projects, construction hazards and their control is discussed below.
There are many chances of hazards that can be caused in a construction site due to the high dynamic nature of the work. So, it is necessary to have a precaution while dealing with such dangerous site than to have a reactive mind.
Some of the control measures and chances of hazards are mentioned below.
During the progress of work at heights, it is very essential to have a safe and clear access and egress from the workplace. The units that are used for the works like the working platforms, the scaffolds, ladders, gangways, substance hoists; all must be completely safe so that the laborer can trust it and do the work.
This check of working platforms must be done through regular inspection and maintenance if needed. Otherwise slipping and tripping might be the cause of accidents. The working place must be kept clean and tidy as possible.
The working activities at heights can result in injuries sometimes to death. It is very key to bring special care to protect the workers while working at heights. No profit in undertaking is obtained without having any concern on the protection for the workers.
Safe systems of works are key for the works like roofing, steel work, rendering, cladding, erection, high pressure water, concrete repairs, painting, and demolition works if any. Other hazardous problems due to electricity, vibrations, and noise can also affect the workers while working at height.
Other main cause of accidents is the use of false work. The false work are temporary frameworks that are used to support a non-supporting framework during its refurbishment or construction.
One such example is the use of wooden structure to have brick work. It is always recommended that competent person must use false work by carrying out proper planning, erection, and dismantling.
Large accidents due to the collapse of false work have been recorded. These accidents at large heights make it more severe problem.
The cleaning of buildings involves grit-blasting and high-pressure water jets which are found to be every dangerous activity. These are mostly carried out by standing over the scaffolding or even ladders for high rise buildings, 30 to 35 stored ones or more.
It is very necessary to have protection of the laborers, the occupants residing, the pass-by from harmful effects of debris, dust, noise, flooding of the walkways and more considerably falling of heavy debris and elements. The laborers dealing with the same must carry essential goggles, gloves, and ear defenders.
The equipment used must be properly cleaned and must undergo proper inspection by trained specialists. All the above, proper supervision on whether the above-specified activities is undergone or not is necessary.
The recommendations offered by the work at height regulations are mentioned to protect the lives from falls:
Roof works that are carried out in pitched types are dangerous and requires risk administration approaches. This must be carried before the commencement of the work. Falling of workers from roofs made from fragile surfaces are recorded as a severe accident cause every year.
These fragile surfaces deteriorate with age due to the exposure to different climatic temperatures which result in the loss of strength to act as a support for the laborers to work. Work must hence be started after looking to the condition of the roofs.
If that is the case, use of scaffolding, ladders and other support platforms becomes essential. Warning signs at suitable locations, indications to show that the roof is fragile must be provided.
If the roof is fragile, the following measures must be taken:
Situations where the access to the fragile roof is not possible, then it is necessary to offer perimeter edge protection and staging. This help to spread the load.