At the workplace, your job description may involve accessing the top of the machines, large vehicles, and sometimes even buildings. This means that you will need to climb a certain height to perform your job efficiently. Whether you are working on a construction site or are involved in the maintenance tasks in industries, working at heights is always riskier than working on ground level.
What’s more, your job may not be limited to a particular area; you may have to move on to different areas carrying your tools with you. One slip or a slight imbalance may even cost you your life in such situations. This is why it is important for you to utilize some type of fall protection equipment on such jobs.
The industries set forth certain safety guidelines, ensure that you follow these strictly because they are there for your own good. By following them, you will be able to work efficiently without taking any unnecessary risk. Here are five tips to protect you against high falls at your workplace.
- It is always good to plan in advance.
Perhaps, the most important thing that you can do to protect yourself against high falls is prepare well in advance for your job. What this means is that go through your job description and understand what it is that you have to do. You can check with your job coordinator about the equipment used as well as the training you will need to perform the job safely. You must also ensure that you are well versed with the safety rules and guidelines specified by the company you work for. If you have any doubts or questions regarding your job, do not hesitate to ask about it.
- Using proper equipment is a must.
What equipment you use will change depending upon the type of work you are asked to do. You cannot use a ladder for a job that requires you to stay at a certain height for a long time, it’s just not safe. If you are planning to work in high places for a long period of time, it is important for you to wear fall protection equipment such as climbing harnesses, helmets, and anchors.
Using such equipment ensures that you are protected at all time against high falls. The fall protection equipment must be checked at regular intervals for any signs of wear and tear, it is one of the thumb rules. At Harness Land, you will find a collection of fall protection gear that not only adheres to ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration of the US Department of Labor) requirements, but is also made from high quality materials.
- Avoid all distractions while you are working at heights.
The two most important elements that you need to pay attention to when you are working at heights is efficiency and balance. If you want to finish your work efficiently and on time, distractions such as mobile phones and music players must be avoided. These devices will only interfere with your work by distracting you, especially in a situation where all your attention needs to be on the job.
- Be aware of all the risks associated with your job.
Whether it is a construction site or an industrial one, every work site comes with its own set of risks. You must be aware of all the risks associated with your work site. This helps you strategize ways in which you can minimize the said risks before you actually begin your work.
- Read the rescue plan thoroughly.
The companies or industries will always have a rescue plan in place when there are workers working at heights. See to it that you know everything there is know about this rescue plan before you start working. If you ever do get trapped while working, you will know what to expect and you will also be better able to handle this emergency situation.
With the help of these tips, it is possible to protect yourself against high falls at workplaces.
