When it comes to working at heights, the majority of projects usually needs to be completed ASAP. While safety is the key to successful project completion, many managers overlook small things, which may lead to a disaster. Not many employers admit to trying to complete a project at all costs.
However, some of them do just that. Especially, when each hour of delay turns into hundreds or even sometimes thousands of dollars. When should you say “no” to working at heights?
1. Sick Work Crew
Not too many workers call in sick especially when the deadline is upon them. Meanwhile, something as seemingly unimportant as a runny nose can interfere with the process. What starts with a sore throat can lead to high body temperatures in just a couple of hours.
A worker with a fever is a hazard to both himself or herself and co-workers. Working at heights with a fever shouldn’t be allowed.
2. Ill-Fitting Safety Gear
While the majority of employers pay special attention to the safety gear, only workers can understand whether it fits them correctly. What may be suitable for one worker can be out of questions for another. When new workers arrive on the site, they must test the gear before climbing high up. Ill-fitting equipment is the reason to say “no”.
While it may still keep the worker safe, it will probably interfere with the work process.
3. Bad Weather
Certain guidelines exist forbidding working at heights when the weather is bad. While strong winds can easily topple the equipment over, rain and snow can make the platform slippery. If the weather is getting worse, it’s important to stop the work before it’s too late.
Each worker has the right to stop when the situation seems hazardous. Each employer should monitor weather conditions.
4. Improper Equipment
Different height access equipment is required for different projects. For example, trying to achieve maneuvering in a tight space with a telescopic boom lift is impossible. Using such equipment calls for hazardous actions on the workers’ part, such as reaching beyond the platform and guardrails. It’s important to say “no” before climbing heights in order to replace the equipment with a more suitable option.
Numerous reasons exist for refusing to work at heights since safety comes first regardless of the deadlines.
