Follow safety procedures when working at heights

Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

follow safety rules when working at heights
following safety procedures when working at heights
follow safety procedures when at heights
comply with safety procedures when working at heights
follow safety procedure when working at heights

skill/competence

cross-sector

Follow safety procedures when working at heights is essential to master the following skills:

Work with respect for own safety

Follow safety procedures when working at heights is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Bricklayer: Bricklayers assemble brick walls and structures by skilfully laying the bricks in an established pattern, using a binding agent like cement to bond the bricks together. They then fill the joints with mortar or other suitable materials.
Lighting designer: Lighting designers develop a lighting design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Lighting designers develop lighting plots, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Lighting designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating light art outside a performance context.
Tower crane operator: Tower crane operators work with tower cranes, tall balance cranes consisting of a horizontal jib mounted on a vertical mast, along with the necessary motors and lifting hook attached to the jib. Operators control the crane from within a control cabin, or use radio control.
Intelligent lighting engineer: Intelligent lighting engineers set up, prepare, check and maintain digital and automated lighting equipment in order to provide optimal lighting quality for a live performance. They cooperate with road crew to unload, set up and operate lighting equipment and instruments.
Briquetting machine operator: Briquetting machine operators tend equipment to dry, mix, and compress metal chips into briquettes for use in a smelter.
Construction painter: Construction painters paint the interior and exterior of buildings and other structures. They may use standard latex based paints or specialised paints for decorative effect or protective properties. Building painters are skilled in using brushes, paint rollers and paint sprayers for different applications.
Construction scaffolder: Construction scaffolders put up scaffolds and platforms in order to make safe construction work at heights possible.
High rigger: High riggers assemble and hoist temporary suspension structures on heights to support performance equipment. Their work is based on instruction, plans and calculations. Their job can include rope access, working above colleagues, assemble constructions to lift performers and lifting heavy loads, which makes it a high risk occupation. They work indoor as well as outdoor. They cooperate with ground riggers to unload and assemble constructions on ground level.
Stage manager: Stage managers coordinate and supervise the preparation and execution of the show to ensure the scenic image and the actions on stage comply with the artistic vision of the director and the artistic team.
Identify needs, monitor the technical and artistic processes during rehearsals and performances of live shows and events, according to the artistic project, the characteristics of the stage and technical, economic, human and security terms.

 
Production plant crane operator: Production plant crane operators operate the basic technologic cranes during the production process at the given unit by lifting and moving loads (bales, containers, buckets and other facilities) with raw and other materials.
Audio production technician: Audio production technicians set up, prepare, check and maintain equipment in order to provide optimal sound quality for a live performance. They cooperate with road crew to unload, set up and operate sound equipment and instruments.
Set builder: Set builders construct, build, prepare, adapt and maintain scenic elements used on stage and for filming movies or television programs. They use a wide variety of materials like wood, steel, aluminium and plastics. Their work is based on artistic vision, scale models, sketches and plans. They work in close cooperation with the designers and may build exibition stands for fairs, carnavals and other events.
Derrickhand: Derrickhands guide the positions and movements of drill pipes. They control the automated pipe-handling equipment. They are often responsible for the condition of drilling fluids, or “mud”.
Scenic painter: Scenic painters decorate sets for live performances. They employ a broad variety of crafting and painting techniques such as figurative painting, landscape painting and Trompe-l’œil to create convincing scenes. Their work is based on artistic vision, sketches and pictures. They work in close cooperation with the designers.
Stage machinist: Stage machinists manipulate sets and other elements in a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the stage machinists work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Stage machinists prepare and perform the setup, execute changeovers and operate manual fly bar systems. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations.
Sheet metal worker: Sheet metal workers in construction use sheet metal to construct roofs, ducts for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, gutters and other metal structures. They read plans and determine the type and amount of materials to be used, then measure, bend, cut, shape, and attach pieces of sheet metal to create the required structure.
House builder: House builders construct, maintain and repair houses or similar small buildings using a range of techniques and materials of several construction building workers.
Pyrotechnician: Pyrotechnicians control the pyrotechnical elements of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Pyrotechnicians prepare the pyrotechnics, supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the pyro system. The use of explosive and combustible material close to performers and audience makes this a high risk occupation.
 
Scenery technician: Scenery technicians setup, prepare, check and maintain pre-assembled sets in order to provide optimal scenery quality for a live performance. They cooperate with road crew to unload, set up and move equipment and sets.
Structural ironworker: Structural ironworker in construction install iron elements into structures. They erect steel frameworks for buildings, bridges and other construction projects. They set metal rods, or rebar, to form reinforced concrete.
Event scaffolder: Event scaffolders set up and dismantle temporary seating, stages and structures to support performance equipment, artists and audience. Their job can include rope access, working above colleagues and lifting heavy loads, which makes it a high risk occupation. Their work is based on instruction, plans and calculations. They work indoors as well as outdoors.
Overhead line worker: Overhead line workers construct and maintain power supply and control cables in overhead power lines. They also make and repair electrical cables connecting customers to the electricity network.
Solar energy technician: Solar energy technicians install and maintain systems that collect solar energy. They prepare the necessary fixtures, often on roofs, install solar panels, and plug them into an electronic system including an inverter to connect the solar energy systems to the electricity lines.
Head of workshop: Heads of workshop coordinate specialised workshops that construct, build, prepare, adapt and maintain elements used on stage. Their work is based on artistic vision, schedules and overall production documentation. They liaise with the designers involved in the production, the production team and other services of the organisation.
Tent installer: Tent installers set up and dismantle temporary shelters, tents and circus tents with the associated accommodation for events and performances. Their work is based on instruction, plans and calculations. They work mostly outdoors and can be assisted by local crew.
Wind turbine technician: Wind turbine technicians maintain and repair wind turbines by performing diagnostic inspections, analysing faults, and performing repair duties. They ensure the wind turbines operate in compliance with regulations, and assist the wind engineers in the construction of wind turbines. Wind turbine technicians may also test and install hardware and software components of wind turbines.
Lighting technician: Lighting technicians setup, prepare, check and maintain equipment in order to provide optimal lighting quality for live performances and motion pictures. They cooperate with road crew to unload, set up and operate lighting equipment and instruments.
Rigging supervisor: Rigging supervisors oversee rigging operations. They manage and coordinate employees who operate lifting and rigging equipment. They organise the day-to-day working activities.
Video technician: Video technicians set up, prepare, check and maintain equipment in order to provide optimal projected image quality for a live performance. They cooperate with road crew to unload, set up and operate video equipment and instruments.
Steeplejack: Steeplejacks are specialised heightworkers who safely scale the outside of buildings and structures to perform critical work.
Stage technician: Stage technicians control different aspects of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. They prepare and perform the setup, program the equipment and operate various  systems. Stage technicians take care of lighting, sound, video, sets and/or fly systems. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations. They can work in small venues, theatres and other small artistic productions.
Rigger: Riggers specialise in the lifting of heavy objects, often helped by a crane or derrick. They work with crane operators to attach and detach crane loads. They may also install the heavy object in place.
Insulation worker: Insulation workers install a variety of insulation materials to shield a structure or materials from heat, cold, and noise from the environment.
Roofer: Roofers cover structures with roofs. They install the weight-bearing elements of a roof, either flat or pitched, then cover it with a weatherproof layer.
Flying director: Flying directors design people flying effects for a performance and supervise or perform the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. They train the actors for the flying choreography and manipulate them during the performance. Therefore, the flying directors work closely with artistic directors, operators, performers and the artistic team. Flying directors prepare and supervise the setup, perform security checks and operate the person fly systems. They are trained to react appropriately to emergencies that may occur in connection to performance flying. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations. The manipulation of persons on height, close to or above performers and audience makes this a high risk occupation.
Scrap metal operative: Scrap metal operative cut big sheets of metal scrap in order to prepare them for being used in a smelter.
Crane technician: Crane technicians assemble industrial and harbor cranes components. They install conveyors and controls. Crane technicians perform the final assembly on site and maintain and repair cranes.
Stagehand: Stagehands assist stage technicians setting up and preparing equipment for live performance. Their work includes setting up the scenery, lights, sound, props, rigging, and special effects for a production.
 
Followspot operator: Followspot operators control follow spots based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Follow spots are specialized lighting instruments, designed to follow performers or movements on stage. Movement, size, beam width and color are controlled manually. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the light board operators and performers. Their work is based on instructions and other documentation. Their work can include working on heights, in bridges or above an audience.
Plasterer: Plasterers apply plaster made from gypsum, cement or other solutions to walls as a smooth finish. They mix dry plaster powder with water, then smear the resulting paste onto a wall. The plaster is then smoothed before it hardens and forms a solid coating on the wall.
Tree surgeon: Tree surgeons maintain trees. They use heavy machinery to prune and cut trees. Tree surgeons are often required to climb the trees to perform maintenance.

Follow safety procedures when working at heights is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Insulation supervisor: Insulation supervisors monitor insulation operations. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Bricklaying supervisor: Bricklaying supervisors monitor bricklaying activities. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Bridge construction supervisor: Bridge construction supervisors monitor the construction of bridges. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Video operator: Video operators control the (projected) images of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Video operators prepare media fragments, supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the video system. Their work is based on plans, instructions and other documentation.
 
Automated fly bar operator: Automated fly bar operators control the movements of sets and other elements in a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Automated fly bar operators prepare and supervise the setup, program the equipment and operate automated fly bar systems, rigging systems or systems for horizontal movement. Their work is based on plans, instructions and calculations. The manipulation of heavy loads close to or above performers and audience makes this a high risk occupation.

 
Sound operator: Sound operators control the sound of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers and performers. They prepare audio fragments, supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the sound system. Their work is based on plans, instructions and other documentation.
 
Paperhanger supervisor: Paperhanger supervisors monitor the hanging of wallpaper. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Power lines supervisor: Power lines supervisors monitor the construction and maintenance of power lines and associated equipment. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Mobile crane operator: Mobile crane operators work with a variety of crane types that can be moved easily around the road, rail and water. Mobile cranes are often mounted on trucks.
Concrete finisher supervisor: Concrete finisher supervisors monitor the concrete finishing process. They assign tasks to finishers and take quick decisions to resolve problems. They may also pass on their skills to apprentices.
Staircase installer: Staircase installers put in place standard or custom designed staircases between the various levels in buildings. They take the necessary measurements, prepare the site, and install the staircase safely.
Carpenter: Carpenters cut, shape and assemble wooden elements for the construction of buildings and other structures. They also use materials such as plastic and metal in their creations. Carpenters create the wooden frames to support wood framed buildings.
Lift installation supervisor: Lift installation supervisor monitor the installation of lifts. They keep an overview of the proceedings, assign tasks, and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Construction scaffolding supervisor: Construction scaffolding supervisors plan and supervise the transport, assembly, disassembly and maintenance of the structures. They also ensure the safety of the scaffolds, support structures, access ladders and fenders.
Building cleaner: Building cleaners maintain the cleanliness and overall functionality of various types of buildings such as offices, hospitals and public institutions. They perform cleaning duties like sweeping, vacuuming and mopping floors, empty trash and check security systems, locks and windows. Building cleaners check air conditioning systems and notify the appropriate persons in case of malfunctions or problems.
Window installer: Window installers place windows into structures and service them. They take out old windows if present, prepare the opening, mount the window, and attach it in place plumb, straight, square and watertight.
Fruit and vegetable picker: Fruit and vegetable pickers select and harvest fruits, vegetables and nuts according to the method appropriate for the type of fruit, vegetable or nut.
Abrasive blasting operator: Abrasive blasting operators use the proper equipment and machinery to smoothen rough surfaces by abrasive blasting. Abrasive blasting is commonly used in the finishing process of metal workpieces and for blasting building materials used in masonry such as bricks, stones and concrete. They operate blasters or sand cabinets which forcibly thrust a stream of abrasive material such sand, soda or water, under high pressure, propelled by a centrifigal wheel, in order to shape and smoothen surfaces.
Grader operator: Grader operators work with a heavy piece of mobile equipment that creates a flat surface by slicing off the top soil with a large blade. Graders usually provide a flat finish on the heavy earthmoving work performed by the scraper and bulldozer operators.
Road roller operator: Road roller operators work with equipment to compact a variety of materials, such as soil, gravel, concrete or asphalt, in the construction of roads and foundations. They walk behind, or sit on top of the road roller, depending on the type and size, and roll over the area to be compacted.
Well-digger: Well-diggers operate drilling machinery and equipment to create and maintain wells for use in extracting ore and other liquids and gases. They record operations, maintain equipment, seal unused wells and prevent ground contamination.
Plate glass installer: Plate glass installers fit panes of glass into windows and other structural elements like glass doors, walls, façades and other structures.
Drill operator: Drill operators supervise a team during rigging and drilling operations. They monitor well activity and take measures in case of emergencies.
Roofing supervisor: Roofing supervisors monitor the work on roofing a building. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Construction painting supervisor: Construction painting supervisors plan, direct and oversee the work of the crew of painters assigned to a certain project or location. They supervise and evaluate the work of painters.
Camera operator: Camera operators setup and operate digital film cameras to shoot domestic motion pictures or television programs. They work together with the video and motion picture director, the director of photography, or the private client. Camera operators give advice on how to shoot scenes to actors, the video and motion picture director and other camera operators.
Sound designer: Sound designers develop a sound design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Sound designers prepare audio fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Sound  designers develop plans, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Sound designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating sound art outside a performance context.
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (and refrigeration) service engineer: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (and refrigeration) service engineers install and maintain industrial heating, air conditioning and possibly refrigeration systems. They set up furnaces, thermostats, ducts, vents, and other equipment needed to ensure the controlled passage and treatment of air. They also carry out repairs.
Welder:
Welders operate welding equipment in order to join metal workpieces together. They can use fusion welding processes based on different techniques and materials. They also perform simple visual inspection of welds.
Set designer: Set designers develop a set concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Set designers develop sketches, design drawings, models, plans or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew. They may also design exhibition stands for fairs and other events. 
Carpenter supervisor: Carpenter supervisors monitor carpentry operations in construction. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems. They pass their skills on to apprentice carpenters.
Light board operator: Light board operators control the lighting of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Light board operators prepare and supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the lighting system. They may be responsible for conventional or automated lighting fixtures and, in some instances, controlling video as well. Their work is based on plans, instructions and other documentation.
 
Window cleaner: Window cleaners use cleaning tools such as sponges and detergents to clean windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces of buildings, both on the interior and exterior. They use specific ladders to clean taller buildings, using safety belts for support.
Asbestos abatement worker: Asbestos abatement workers remove asbestos from buildings and other constructions, compliant with health and safety regulations concerning the handling of hazardous materials. They investigate the intensity of the asbestos contamination, prepare the structure for removal, and prevent contamination of other areas.
Demolition supervisor: Demolition supervisors monitor operations involved in the demolition of buildings and clean up of debris. They take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Sign maker: Sign makers design and develop signs for a variety of uses such as flyers, traffic signs, billboards and business signs. They use different materials and techniques and if necessary they install the sign on site. Furthermore they also perform maintenance and repairs.
Paperhanger: Paperhangers are specialised in hanging up wallpaper. They apply adhesives to the paper, or to the wall in the case of reinforced wallpaper, and fix the paper straight, well aligned, and avoiding the inclusion of air bubbles.
Chimney sweep: Chimney sweeps undertake cleaning activities of chimneys for all types of buildings. They remove ash and soot and perform maintenance on a regular basis, following health and safety regulations. Chimney sweeps may perform safety inspections and minor repairs.
Structural ironwork supervisor: Structural ironwork supervisors monitor ironworking activities. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Building exterior cleaner: Building exterior cleaners remove dirt and litter from a building’s exterior, as well as perform restoration tasks. They ensure the cleaning methods are compliant with safety regulations, and monitor the exteriors to ensure they are in proper condition.
Transport equipment painter: Transport equipment painters use painting machines and hand tools to coat individual parts and to paint the surface of all types of transport equipment such as cars, buses, boats, aircraft, motorcycles and railway cars. They prepare the surface of the pieces for the paint and apply the coaat. Transport equipment painters can perform industrial painting or individual customisation. They may also remove or repair painting errors such as scratches.
 
Concrete finisher: Concrete finishers work with binding agents like cement and concrete. They put up any removable forms and pour concrete into the forms. They then execute one or several actions to finish the concrete: cutting, screeding or levelling, compacting, smoothing, and chamfering to prevent chipping.
Aircraft assembler: Aircraft assemblers use hand tools, power tools and other equipment such as CNC machines or robots to construct, fit and install prefabricated parts to manufacture fixed or rotary wing aircrafts and aircraft subassemblies such as flight controls, aircraft skins, rigging and other mechanical systems etc. They read and interpret blueprints. They operate control systems to determine functional performance of the assemblies and adjust accordingly.
Crane crew supervisor: Crane crew supervisors are present to supervise crane operations. They keep an eye on safety and make sure regulations are followed. The supervisor takes quick decisions to resolve problems.
Rustproofer: Rustproofers use the proper equipment and machinery to provide metal workpieces with a hard, durable finishing coat, composed of specific chemical formulas, that prevents or delays iron and steel pieces from rusting and protects against corrosion.
Decontamination worker: Decontamination workers remove and dispose of hazardous materials, such as radioactive materials or contaminated soil. They handle hazardous materials in compliance with safety regulations, investigate causes of contamination, and remove the contamination from the structure or site.
Advertising installer: Advertising installers attach posters and other advertisement materials on buildings, buses and underground transport and in other public places such as shopping malls, in order to attract the attention of passersby. They use equipment to climb buildings and reach higher places, following health and safety regulations and procedures.
Electricity distribution worker: Electricity distribution workers construct and maintain electric power transmission and distribution systems. They maintain and repair powerlines, compliant with safety regulations.
Video designer: Video designers develop a projected image design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Video designers prepare media fragments to be used in a performance, which can involve recording, composing, manipulating and editing. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Video  designers develop plans, mapping, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Video designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating video art outside a performance context.
Ground rigger: Ground riggers assist level riggers assembling temporary suspension structures to support performance equipment. Their work is based on instruction and plans. They work indoor as well as outdoor. They cooperate closely with high riggers.
 
Bulldozer operator: Bulldozer operators operate a heavy vehicle to move earth, rubble or other material over the ground.
Scraper operator: Scraper operators work with a mobile piece of heavy equipment that scrapes the top layer of the ground and deposits it in a hopper to be hauled off. They drive the scraper over the surface to be scraped, adapting the speed of the machine to the hardness of the surface.
Glass installation supervisor: Glass installation supervisor monitor the process of installing plate glass. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Demolition worker: Demolition workers operate equipment to demolish structures. They safely destroy buildings and remove the debris to permit the site to be used for a different purpose.
Dismantling worker: Dismantling workers perform the dismantling of industrial equipment, machinery and buildings as instructed by the team leader. They use heavy machinery and different power tools depending on the task. At all times safety regulations are taken into account.
Excavator operator: Excavator operators use excavators to dig into earth or other materials to remove it. They are involved in a variety of projects, such as demolition, dredging, and the of digging holes, foundations and trenches.
Theatre technician: Theatre technicians execute all technical tasks to support live performances. They build and break down stages and decors, install and operate sound, light, recording and video equipment and organise the transport of decors and technical equipment for performances on displacement.
Street lighting electrician: Street lighting electricians construct and maintain electric power transmission and distribution in street lights. They maintain, test and repair street lights in compliance with safety regulations.
Stonemason: Stonemasons manually carve and assemble stone for construction purposes. While CNC operated carving equipment is the industry standard, artisanal carving for ornamental stone is still done manually.
Handyman: Handymen perform various maintenance and repair activities for buildings, grounds and other facilities. They repair and renovate structures and components, fences, gates and roofs, assemble furniture and perform plumbing and electrical activities. They check heating and ventilation systems, air quality and humidity in the building.
Lift engineer: Lift engineers set lifts into a prepared framed hoistway. They install support assembly, set up the lift pump or motor, piston or cable, and mechanism. Lift engineers connect the necessary electronic elements to complete the installation and connection of the lift cabin. They also perform the necessary steps to inspect and repair lifts, as well as the shaft and any associated electronics. Lift engineers make sure every inspection and report action is noted in a log book, and report to the client on the state of the serviced lift.

References

1. Follow safety procedures when working at heights – ESCO