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Working at heights is something we do often, whether it\u2019s on a construction site, fixing a roof, or maintaining equipment. Being high off the ground comes with real risks. Falls are one of the biggest causes of workplace injuries, so knowing what you\u2019re dealing with and how to stay safe is extremely important.
Common Hazards When Working at Heights
When you\u2019re off the ground, a few things can quickly turn dangerous:
Falls from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs
A simple slip can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or worse.
Equipment failure
If a ladder, scaffold, or safety gear gives out, the consequences can be serious.
Bad weather
Strong winds, rain, or even a wet surface can make climbing or working unstable.
Unstable structures
Working on or near weak roofs or shaky structures increases the chance of falling

How to Stay Safe When Working at Heights
Staying safe isn\u2019t complicatedit just requires consistency and the right precautions:
Use proper fall protection gear
Harnesses, lanyards, anchor points\u2014these are your best friends when working up high.
Check your equipment
Before climbing, make sure everything you\u2019re using is in good condition.
Set up ladders and scaffolds correctly
Make sure they\u2019re on stable ground, properly secured, and not damaged.
Get the right training
Anyone working at heights should know how to use safety gear and understand the risks.
Do regular risk assessments
Look around, identify hazards, and deal with them before starting work.

Using Fall Protection Equipment the Right Way
Harness: Make sure it fits well and is clipped into a strong anchor point.
Lanyards: Properly connect them to both your harness and anchor.
Anchors: They should be attached to something strong enough to hold your weight.
Self-retractable lifelines: Keep them clean and maintained, and follow the manufacturer\u2019s instructions.

Best Practices for Working at Heights
Here are some simple habits that go a long way:
Plan ahead: Know what the job involves and how to handle any risks.
Use the right equipment: Never take shortcuts when it comes to safety gear.
Follow the rules: Stick to procedures like lockout/tagout and permit-to-work systems.
Stay focused: Distractions can be dangerous when you\u2019re working above ground level.

With the right mindset and proper precautions, working at heights doesn\u2019t have to be risky. A little preparation and the right safety habits can make all the difference.
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Working at heights can be risky, but with the right precautions and equipment, those risks can be greatly reduced. Here\u2019s a simple guide to the common hazards you might face and the safety measures that can help keep you safe while working off t",
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Accidental electrocution continues to be a significant cause of occupational death. But good working habits can prevent electrical shock and accidental electrocution, resulting in a safer workplace.
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An electric shock occurs when a person comes into contact with an electrical energy source. Humans are more conductive than the earth (the ground we stand on) which means if there is no other easy path, electricity will try to flow through our bodies.
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There are four main types of injuries resulting from contact with electricity: electrocution (fatal), electric shock, burns, and falls. These injuries can happen in various ways:
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Direct contact with exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. When electrical current travels through our bodies, it can interfere with the normal electrical signals between the brain and our muscles (e.g. heart may stop beating properly, breathing may stop, or muscles may spasm).
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When the electricity arcs (jumps, or arcs) from an exposed energized conductor or circuit part (e.g., overhead power lines) through a gas (such as air) to a person who is grounded (that would provide an alternative route to the ground for the electrical current).
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Thermal burns including burns from heat generated by an electric arc, and flame burns from materials that catch on fire from heating or ignition by electrical currents or an electric arc flash. Contact burns from being shocked can burn internal tissues while leaving only very small injuries on the outside of the skin.
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Thermal burns from the heat radiated from an electric arc flash. Ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light emitted from the arc flash can also cause damage to the eyes.
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An arc blast can include a potential pressure wave released from an arc flash. This wave can cause physical injuries, collapse your lungs, or create noise that can damage hearing.
\r\n
Muscle contractions, or a startle reaction, can cause a person to fall from a ladder, scaffold or aerial bucket. The fall can cause serious injuries.
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\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Many electrical injuries can be avoided if individuals were alert to hazards. Using the following tips will make the workplace safer.
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Taking accountability for noticing, reporting and correcting electrical hazards.
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Always use and maintain wiring tools and equipment properly.
\r\n
Use extension cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you are using. Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire
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Take a few extra minutes to inspect your equipment [cords for wear].
\r\n
Always clean and dry your working area to avoid shock and fire hazards.
\r\n
Don't use faulty equipment. Disconnect and lockout the power supply before completing any maintenance work tasks or making adjustments.
\r\n
When cleaning equipment, make sure its unplugged and follow the manufacturers cleaning instructions.
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Use insulated tools or handling equipment such as non-conductive ropes and protective shields.
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Do not work close to power lines. Recommended distances vary by jurisdiction and/or utility companies. Check with both your jurisdiction and electrical utility company when working, driving, parking, or storing materials closer than 15 m to overhead power lines.
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New technical requirements and systems are frequently changing. Keeping up to date with current of practice and take the necessary precautions to make your workplace a little safer.
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As you set out to work today, it helps to realize that working safely will benefit you and those close to you. Here are some reasons that should make you want to work safely.
\r\n
\r\n
Your health - your health and well-being should be the biggest motivator as to why you should choose to work safe. Once we lose our health or impact it severely, it may never be the same. It is important to really think about how a severe injury would change the rest of your life.
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Providing for your family - Your family depends on your ability to earn an income. When you are injured or ill you can lose that ability very quickly. Even if it is only for a short time the financial and emotional effects on your family can be drastic.
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Your reputation - While productive employees are still very much rewarded at many companies, working safely is often recognized right along with production. Your reputation at work not only affects you in your current position, but it also can affect whether or not you earn a future promotion at your company or land opportunities at other companies. No one wants to reward a risk taker or put them in a position of power. If it is known that you are a worker that cuts corners or does not work safely it could make all the difference in whether or not you get the chance at a better opportunity.
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Your coworkers - Making the choice to take a shortcut can not only harm yourself, but you can also harm a fellow coworker. Everyone's safety on the job depends on not only on their own choices but the choices of all the workers there.
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Your company as a whole - Whether you love the company you work for or not, the job they provide you with pays your bills. Working safely allows business to continue thus providing the opportunity for you to continue to pay your bills as well as your fellow coworkers to do the same.
\r\n
\r\n
Think about how the choices you make on the job not only affect you, but also how they affect your family, your coworkers, and the company as a whole. Reminding yourself of the far reaching consequences an incident can have on many different people can reinforce making the right decision when working safely. Keep these five reasons to work safe in mind the next time you see a coworker taking risks at work. When one person chooses to take risks everyone is at risk to suffer the consequences.
",
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