Working at Height on Steelwork
Steel Erection › General › Working at Height on Steelwork
Working at Height on Steelwork
Steel erectors work at height in exposed and dynamic conditions where the structure is incomplete and constantly changing. Traditional access methods like scaffolding may not be available at the steel erection face. Fall protection relies on harnesses attached to the steelwork itself, safety netting, or temporary platforms. Every connection point and every movement between positions requires planning to ensure continuous fall protection. Working at height on steelwork requires specialist training, experience, and constant vigilance.
- Ensure all steel erectors are trained and competent in work at height on structural steelwork.
- Use fall arrest harnesses attached to certified anchor points or engineered lifelines on the steelwork.
- Plan the erection sequence to provide safe access and continuous fall protection at every working position.
- Install safety netting below the erection face where practicable to catch falling persons and materials.
- Use tool lanyards to secure all hand tools and prevent them falling onto workers below.
- Establish exclusion zones at ground level beneath all active steelwork erection areas.
- Inspect harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points before every shift and replace any damaged components.
- Ensure temporary working platforms are installed at connection points where sustained work is required.
- Monitor wind conditions continuously and stop all height work on steelwork when limits are exceeded.
If a worker falls and is suspended in a harness, activate the rescue plan immediately. Suspension trauma becomes life-threatening within 15 minutes. Lower the casualty to a safe surface and call 999.
- Falls from steelwork are frequently fatal due to the heights involved and the hard landing surfaces.
- Continuous fall protection means you must be attached to an anchor at all times when above ground.
- Moving between positions without maintaining attachment is the moment of greatest risk.
- Safety netting provides collective protection and catches both people and dropped objects.
- Tool lanyards prevent dropped tools becoming lethal projectiles for workers at lower levels.
- Wind on exposed steelwork affects balance and makes handling steel members more dangerous.
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