The Mohawk Aboriginal First Nations People of Quebec Canada has developed a unique trade among their community members. Worldwide they are known as workers whose expertise is to work high above the ground building the world’s skyscrapers. All throughout the world the highest buildings reaching to the sky are testament to their unique abilities to work at great heights in safety. “Ironworkers” they are called in the construction and employment trades.
Working with heights has the nature of working on elevated platforms. These platforms must be free from trapping points and space must fit appropriately to the worker. Guide rails are another protection from serious injury that provides sufficient edge defense. It must be strong, fixed with sufficient support to avoid people from falling. Guiderails must be firm to endure other loads to fall. The main guide rail is at least 910 mm above the edge, while the toe board is at least 150 mm high.
Edge protection and platforms are not enough to prevent workers from falling. Harness and safety nets are another height safety protection to reduce possible injury. Harness must be attached to tough anchor point to prevent from falling.
Safety harnesses are not an option of convenience and preference. They should and must be worn at all times. Secondly safety nets must be placed underneath the platform. It does not take a genius to figure out that as much as humanely possible avoid working in wet or windy condition. The weather can destroy platforms, thus, a worker would fall if not inspected. Use sun glasses and appropriate clothing to protect eyes and from excessive heat.
On the other hand, platform and edge protection are not sufficient to avoid accident like falling. Safety nets and harness are supplementary fall protection. Harness must be fit firmly to the body and connected to a strong anchor point. A net should be properly placed underneath the platform to reduce the risk of probable accident. Safety is always a must for a heights worker. Fall protective equipments are provided to lessen the injury and possible accident. Thus, neglecting safety rules and equipments move life one foot forward to death.
