There are many jobs that require brave people to work from a significant height. These include window washers, construction workers, roofers and more. This kind of work absolutely needs to be done. However, it certainly involves significant risk. Falling from such heights often means death or permanent disability if you survive. For this reason, using the proper safety equipment is absolutely paramount. Below are five such pieces of equipment.
Railing
Although it isn’t always thought of as safety equipment, railing certainly is very important to the safety of workers that work from extreme heights. Railing works through the principal of passive protection. Workers will know they will be safe as long as they work within the confines of that railing. The use of such railing for most high workplaces is required by OSHAA and other safety standards.
Stable and Level Platforms
Something else most workers require to remain safe at high elevations is a stable and level platform to stand on to work from. At significant heights, providing such a platform can be highly difficult. You might, for example, have to use a boom lift. Boom lifts can safely raise a worker to as high as 185 feet in the air, depending on the lift, and provide them with safe horizontal workspace.
Safety Lanyard
Something you will probably need to implement with a full body harness is a safety lanyard. This is a cable or webbing that attaches to the D-ring located on a safety harness. The other end attaches to a life line or anchor point. They are designed to absorb shocks so they never snap or fail. They can be used to prevent falls and safely lower a worker to a lower elevation on a jobsite.
Full Body Harnesses
In certain cases, falling is so probable that workers need to protect themselves by wearing specialized equipment on their person. A full body harness, if worn properly, is something that eliminates the risk of falling. Make sure to train employees on how to wear the harness properly. Select harnesses that are specifically rated for the height and weight of your workers.
Scaffolding
Another option you have is to erect scaffolding at a jobsite. This will provide a level horizontal workspace for employees to use at great heights. Scaffolding is best for long term jobsites such as construction jobs that are estimated to take months to complete.
The number one priority of any employer should be the safety of its employees. For companies that require employees to work from extreme heights, the need for proper safety precautions is even more important. Take this responsibility seriously and ensure that your workers have the proper safety equipment.
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing.
