Pankaj Bora

"Job height" most commonly refers to working at height, which is a significant aspect of occupational safety. It describes any work activity where there's a risk of a person falling a distance that could cause personal injury.

Here's a breakdown of what "job height" implies in this context:

* Definition of Working at Height:

* Working above ground/floor level (e.g., on a ladder, scaffold, roof).

* Working near an edge, through an opening, or on a fragile surface where a fall could occur.

* Working from ground level into an opening in a floor or a hole in the ground (e.g., an excavation).

* It generally doesn't include slips or trips on the same level or walking up and down a permanent staircase.

* Why it's important: Falls from height are one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities across various industries, particularly in construction.

* Safety Regulations and Guidelines:

* Regulations (like the Work at Height Regulations 2005 in the UK or OSHA standards in the US) exist to minimize risks associated with working at height.

* These regulations typically require employers to:

* Avoid working at height if reasonably practicable.

* Prevent falls using existing safe workplaces or appropriate equipment (e.g., guardrails, scaffolding, mobile elevating work platforms).

* Minimize the distance and consequences of a fall if it cannot be prevented (e.g., using safety nets, airbags, or personal fall arrest systems like harnesses and lanyards).

* Ensure proper planning and organization of work at height.

* Ensure workers are competent and adequately trained.

* Conduct risk assessments to identify hazards and implement control measures.

* Properly inspect and maintain all equipment used for working at height.

* Common equipment and scenarios:

* Ladders and stepladders

* Scaffolding

* Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) / Cherry pickers

* Roofs (flat or sloped)

* Openings in floors or walls

* Excavations

* Working near fragile surfaces (e.g., skylights)

In essence, "job height" highlights the need for careful consideration, planning, and adherence to safety protocols whenever work is performed at an elevated level where a fall could result in injury.