Working at Heights – Steel Structure Erection

Industry: Construction · Country: United Arab Emirates · Location: Commercial Tower Site – Floors 12–20

Risk assessment for steel structure erection activities at heights exceeding 15 meters during a commercial tower construction project in Dubai. Workers are exposed to fall hazards, dropped objects, and crane lifting operations.

Task Steps

Conduct pre-work safety briefing and toolbox talk
Inspect all lifting equipment, harnesses, and lanyards
Set up safety nets and fall arrest anchor points
Erect temporary edge protection and guardrails
Lift and position steel beams using tower crane
Bolt and weld structural connections at height
Inspect completed connections before proceeding
Clear work area and secure all loose materials before end of shift

Risk Assessment (2 risks)

Risk #1 — Physical (extreme, score 15)

Hazard: Working at height without adequate fall protection

Consequences: Fatal fall injury, permanent disability

Control measures:

Full-body harness with double lanyard mandatory at all times above 1.8m
Safety nets installed below work areas
Edge protection and guardrails at all open edges
Height work permit to work system enforced
Daily inspection of all fall protection equipment

Risk #2 — Physical (high, score 12)

Hazard: Dropped objects striking workers at lower levels

Consequences: Head trauma, serious injury, fatality

Control measures:

Hard hat mandatory in all site areas
Tool lanyards required for all hand tools above 2m
Exclusion zone established below active work area
Toe boards installed on all elevated platforms
Debris nets and catch platforms installed