SAFE WORKING AT HEIGHT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES
Construction sites are dynamic environments where hazards constantly change. Workers are exposed to unprotected edges, incomplete structures, crowded work areas, and moving materials. Falls from height are among the most common causes of accidents in construction, making effective fall protection critical at every stage of the project.
Common Activities and Risks
Construction activities span from foundation work and scaffolding installation to roof and facade construction. Each activity introduces specific risks:
- Open edges and incomplete floors
- Slips, trips, and falls from uneven or unstable surfaces
- Exposure to tools, debris, and heavy machinery
- Working at heights on scaffolding, roofs, or temporary structures
Choosing the right protection for each task is challenging.
Temporary Anchorage Systems
Construction tasks like bricklaying, caulking, painting, or roof installation often require access to unprotected edges. Temporary anchorage solutions are ideal when permanent anchors are unavailable.
How It Works
- Sling anchorage system: A mobile anchor made of polyamide webbing, connected to structural elements (e.g., concrete beams), enabling direct worker attachment or installation of a temporary lifeline.
- Temporary horizontal lifeline: Adjustable lines spanning 5–25 meters (16–82 ft) between anchor points, allowing workers more freedom of movement across work areas.
- XSPlatforms offers systems for 2 to 4 simultaneous users, combining safety with flexibility.
Benefits
- Quick to install and relocate
- Minimizes fall distance when used with self-retracting lifelines (SRLs)
- Reduces need for permanent modifications during ongoing construction
Fall Protection for Open Sides and Floor Levels
Incomplete floors, scaffolds, and temporary platforms are high-risk zones on any construction site. Workers must navigate narrow walkways, exposed edges, and dynamic work environments, often carrying tools or materials. By combining temporary anchorage points with SRLs or counterweighted guardrails, workers can move freely minimizing the risk of falls.
Solution options
- Temporary anchorage with SRL: A sling anchor connected to a concrete beam, paired with a self-retracting lifeline, protects workers while maintaining freedom of movement.
- Safety guardrail systems: Counterweighted, easy to install/remove, and suitable for temporary floor or roof edge protection.
Benefits
- Minimizes fall distance and severity
- Compliant with safety regulations when collective solutions are preferred but not feasible
- Flexible and adaptable to changing construction site conditions
Roof Protection
Roof work during construction is inherently dangerous. Workers must move across incomplete surfaces, carry heavy materials, or install BMUs—all while being exposed to open roof edges. Temporary and permanent roof protection systems ensure that every worker can perform their tasks safely, while giving project managers peace of mind that the site is compliant with safety regulations.
Permanent Roof Safety
- When applicable, permanent lifelines or safety guardrails can be installed to protect workers long-term.
- Collective solutions (guardrails) are preferred by law over personal fall protection, as they eliminate fall hazards for all personnel simultaneously.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Construction sites are high-risk, but with XSPlatforms fall protection, every worker is safeguarded. From temporary PPE solutions to collective fall protection measures, XSPlatforms is there to help. Contact us to design the safest fall protection strategy for your construction site.