Working at heights is one of the most dangerous types of jobs out there. Statistics show that the number of deaths due to falling from heights remained the second-highest contributor to work-related fatalities in Australia in 2023.
Even though most workplaces have strict rules and precautions, workers either fail to understand or follow them.
This is why it’s important to know the main hazards related to working at great heights and how to ensure that nobody injures themselves in the process. So come on, let’s get started!
1. Falling From Heights
Falling from heights is the most common cause of height-related fatalities. Even if the chances of deaths are less, falling from a considerable height can result in serious injuries and even paralysis, particularly in the construction and industrial sectors.
It’s important to remember here that falling from hundreds of feet isn’t the only way a person can injure themselves. Even a seemingly simple fall from a ladder can cause major issues.
Solution:
There are different ways to combat this problem, the most obvious one being the installation of strong guardrails. Guardrails provide a physical barrier so that no worker topples over. Safety nets can also be installed where guardrails are not practical. These nets reduce the impact force and the likelihood of injury.
2. Falling Objects
Another common height-related injury is when heavy objects fall on workers, exposing them to major injuries in places like warehouses and retail stores.
Even small and sharp objects, such as a working saw, drill, or even a few bricks, can cause significant impact if they fall on a worker. Other materials, like wood and debris, can cause temporary or permanent vision impairment.
Solution:
Employers and workers need to ensure that every piece of equipment is securely tied and there’s no chance of it falling.
Moreover, workers should wear sturdy helmets so that items like nails and bricks don’t hurt them. Even if the equipment is hung, it should be tightly tethered to the source and managed by someone.
3. Unstable Working Surfaces
Slippery or uneven working surfaces can be much more dangerous than you think, especially when it comes to sloping roofs or surfaces made slippery by water, grease, or ice.
If a person slips on any sloping or loose surface, they can easily lose their balance and risk hurting themselves. Workers can encounter such surfaces even while climbing or walking on scaffoldings and platforms.
Solutions:
Every worker needs to be given working at heights course from a reliable institution, where they are trained to balance themselves on such platforms.
Other than this, the platforms themselves should be thoroughly checked before someone climbs on them. Non-slip coatings can also be applied to surfaces to increase friction and reduce falls.
4. Lack Of Safety Gear
One major reason there are so many height-related accidents is that workers often forget to wear their safety equipment properly. Even though they know what each piece of equipment does, they don’t pay much attention to it.
Further, improper use of the safety gear can increase mismanagement and chances of injury, such as if a worker uses a particular tool designed for a completely different purpose.
Solutions:
During the training course, every worker needs to understand the importance of each piece of protective equipment.
Moreover, they should sign a form or agree that they’re aware of which tools to use for specific purposes. Using the right size and dimensions of ladders, safety nets, crawl boards, and lifts is also a must.
5. Poor Weather
Working at heights can become particularly problematic if the weather suddenly becomes unappealing.
Rain, snow, ice, or even extreme heat can cause workers to lose their orientation and balance. High winds or snowfall can also make it difficult for them to handle certain materials.
If the team works in unpredictable weather conditions, the situation can quickly turn worse.
Solution:
The simplest way to ensure your workers’ safety is to postpone the job until the weather has cleared. If that’s not possible, you can monitor weather reports and stay ahead of the game by understanding the type of weather conditions in the next few hours or days. Wearing the right PPE is also a must.
Conclusion
As an employer, you must invest considerable time, money, and resources to ensure that all your employees understand the risks associated with the job and how to handle them. Enroll them in necessary courses, give them periodic follow-ups, and check their vitals to detect any signs of stress or work-related issues.





