Working at heights comes with its fair share of risks and dangers. Whether you’re an aspiring scaffolder, roofer, or steelworker, there are specific preventative measures you need to be conversant with.
Being a bustling city, Sydney is rife with construction workers laboriously working at great heights. All companies specialise in such work mandate workers to complete the working at heights course in Sydney for their safety and well-being.
Failing to do so can have severe, sometimes fatal consequences. While the course will provide in-depth information on how to stay safe at heights, this article gives a glimpse into some tried-and-tested tips:
Never Make Haste
If there is one piece of advice that never works on great heights, it’s making haste. You must always stay calm and composed while on top of the world.
Say you’ve been assigned a task that requires the assistance or support of a fellow worker on a bright Australian morning. In that case, hold on and wait for the help needed. Do not make haste and try to accommodate their work too. A tiny slip or gap may cost dearly!
Use the Right Equipment
Many accidents can be prevented simply by ensuring that you wear proper safety equipment. When you’re working at great heights, it’s essential to have some basic safety equipment such as harnesses, heavy-duty helmets and footwear, etc.
They will keep you from tripping and falling over. Additionally, check your clothing thoroughly to ensure no wear and tear. Finally, always hold the guard rails, or you might trip and fall over.
Calculate the Height Accurately
One important thing to do when you’re working at a great height is to calculate it accurately. This is important to gauge the efficacy of your protective equipment. For instance – A 15-foot harness will not be able to save you from a height of 20 feet.
So, before you go to the top, ensure a solid protective plan. This should include calculating your height, the equipment you’ll be wearing, the fall distance, and more.
Take Part in Regular Training Sessions
Most construction companies do not keep training sessions just once in a blue moon. After completing the working at heights course in Sydney, you must participate in further sessions if your company holds them.
Doing so will update your knowledge and equip you with new skills. Moreover, if you’re switching your workplace, taking part in extensive training becomes all the more critical. This will familiarise you with the risks involved in a new work environment and the necessary steps you need to take to keep such dangers at bay.
Prep Yourself Before Work to Reduce Risk
Sometimes, all that it takes to keep yourself and others around you safe is to do some prep work. This could cover many areas such as –
- Ensuring no heavy materials are stacked toward an edge, especially if that area is not adequately protected
- In the case of scaffolding, ensuring that all gaps are closed with wood so that no material can fall through
- Not carrying heavy materials up and down all by yourself
So Get Your Foot in the Door!
The tips mentioned above and tricks are just the beginning. Enrolling in a reliable working at heights course in Sydney will teach you the ins and outs of working safely, even at great heights.
Once you’re done with the course, remember that staying safe only begins with putting your knowledge into practice. Happy and safe working!
