A Study of Work-at-Height Risk Factors and Safety
Behavior in Scaffolding
Md Javed Siddique1*, Vishal
Tiwari2
1 Research Counselor, Vikrant University,
Gwalior, M.P.
mdjavedsiddique786@gmail.com
2 Assistant Professor, Vikrant
University, Gwalior, M.P.
Abstract:
In industrial and construction settings, work-at-height
tasks including scaffolding and high material transfer procedures present serious
threats to occupational safety. The purpose of this research is to determine the
main risk variables linked to increased work activities and to investigate how worker
conduct, supervision, and training affect safety results. Data was gathered utilizing
a cross-sectional method and a descriptive and analytical study design. Structured
questionnaires, site inspections, and informal interviews were conducted at a few
chosen workplaces. The results show that the main risk factors for work-at-height
activities are fall-related risks, unstable scaffolds, dangerous platforms, and
inappropriate material handling. Even while safety precautions were widely accessible,
their efficiency was greatly diminished by irregular use, poor training, and a lack
of monitoring. Additionally, the data shows that, in comparison to untrained or
inadequately supervised groups, trained and well-supervised personnel had a lower
accident incidence and safer work habits. The research comes to the conclusion that
in order to produce long-lasting gains in safety performance, an integrated strategy
combining engineering controls, administrative enforcement, and ongoing training
is necessary for the successful mitigation of work-at-height hazards.
Keyword: Risk Factors, Work-At-Height,
Material Shifting Tasks, Worker Behaviour, Training.
INTRODUCTION
The construction, maintenance, and industrial activities in the world include
work-at-height activities. Activities that require the use of scaffolding and moving
construction materials in a high position are necessary during the assembly, repair,
and installation of structures. Nevertheless, the given activities are also among
the most dangerous operations in the workplace. Working at height accidents always
make up a large percentage of serious injuries and deaths in the construction industry,
and work-at-height safety is therefore an urgent topic of interest to industry practitioners,
regulators, and researchers. [1]
Scaffolding is used to offer temporary access and platform on tasks that
are performed above the ground. When mounted safely, securely and correctly, the
scaffolding systems can provide a stable and secure working environment. [2] Nevertheless,
scaffolding failures like mishandling in erecting, overloading, poor anchorage or
using inferior materials may result in serious accidents. [3] Indeed, cases of scaffold
collapse because of overloading or unauthorized work kind of scaffold has been reported
extensively in construction works, and has resulted in several injuries and loss
of lives. Likewise, damaged guardrails and access ladders enhance the chances of
falling by the workers on the high levels. [4]
Elevated material shifting entails the transportation of tools, equipment
and construction materials of high elevation with manual handling or mechanical
assistance such as hoists and pulleys. Such an activity also brings new risks such
as dropping of objects, lack of balance during lifting and strain injuries. [5]
A typical example is lifting bricks or formwork material manually on the scaffolding
platforms without the proper barricading, something that raises the chances of the
falls as well as the struck-by accidents. There is lack of coordination between
the various workers at various levels in most of the work sites and thus, the risks
are intensified. [6]
Work-at-height operations are a part and parcel of construction, maintenance,
and industrial operations, which involve work undertaken at a level where key risks
are a fall, which may cause severe harm or death. These activities involve the work
on the scaffolding, ladders, high standing places, roofs, towers and other scaffolds
or perennial constructions. Work-at-height is commonly seen in construction in means
of structural assembly, painting, electrical installation, and equipment maintenance,
and in industry in means of elevated material handling, machinery inspection and
maintenance of industrial infrastructure. These are very risky activities and demand
both technical skilledness and suitable equipment as well as following the safety
guidelines to avoid an accident. [7]
Figure
1: PPE with harness and helmet for safe work-at-height.
Proper management of the work-at-height operations must be completely comprehended
about the hazards involved and involve technical controls, competency of workers
and organizational commitment. This involves adequate scaffold design and construction,
safe material management, routine inspection procedures, inadequate supervision
and continuous training of workers. Meeting the technical and human factors will
allow the organizations to achieve the level of reduction of the risks related to
the high level of work activities, as well as improve workplace safety in general.
The construction and industrial activities are inseparable as work-at-height activities
create serious safety risks. [8] The most serious risks are falls, instability of
scaffold, and the practices of unsafe material handling. Successful risk mitigation
process requires engineering controls, safe work practices, adequate training and
vigilant oversight, to enable safe and efficient work-at-height.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The
occupational safety and health activities in the construction industry portray
that workplace accidents remain a significant issue which is largely fuelled by
unsafe work practices and risky activities. One of the studies indicates that
HIRADC is a systematic approach to risk identification, risk evaluation, and
control measures identification, founded on field observations and interviews,
and the significance of PPE, safety training, and routine audits in enhancing
safety performance. [9] Another study that has used the HIRARC approach using
mixed methods points to several hazards in various construction works with some
of them being of high risk, showing the necessity of appropriate training,
following the standard procedures, and using effective risk management plans as
well as showing the gaps in behavioral compliance and supervision. [10] The
work at height has been found to be a major cause of accidents through research
that identifies that there is a distribution of work at height with the low, moderate
and high-risk assessment, and that risk assessment and control be systematic to
minimize occupational hazards. [11] Besides, the safety training is further
supported by the establishment of virtual training systems of high-risk work,
which enhances the knowledge, involvement, and awareness of workers, though
they require constant improvement. [12] All these studies, in general,
highlight the need to focus more on human and managerial aspects, as well as to
use specific risk assessment approaches, continuous training, adequate use of
PPE, and concentrate on the significance of structure in construction settings.
OBJECTIVES
·
To identify and analyze major risk factors in
work-at-height activities such as scaffolding and material shifting.
·
To evaluate existing safety practices, including
PPE usage and compliance with safety procedures.
·
To examine the impact of worker behavior,
training, and supervision on safety outcomes.
·
To recommend effective measures for improving
safety and reducing workplace accidents.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
The
safety of a workplace in the construction sector is a major issue as a result
of the high rate of accidents, particularly when it comes to the high-risk
operations, like working off-the-ground and moving heavy products. Despite the
systematic risk assessment techniques applied to determine hazards and take
control measures to mitigate them, numerous risks still occur in the worksites.
The effectiveness of the safety measures, such as personal protective
equipment, standard procedures, and training programs, is usually weak due to
their inconsistent use, poor supervision, and unsafe actions of workers.
Moreover, even though modern training methods have enhanced awareness, there
are gaps relating to their application and monitoring in practice. The current
literature is also centered on individual sites and dedicates less of their
efforts to behavioral and managerial contexts that are instrumental in the
safety outcomes. This implies that to come up with the most effective and
sustainable safety practices in the construction industry, there is a need to
have a comprehensive study on how risk factors, worker behavior, training, and
supervision interact to facilitate the achievement of the desired results.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
In order to investigate work-at-height hazards
in scaffolding and elevated material moving operations, the study uses a descriptive
and analytical research approach. Existing site circumstances, such as common risks,
scaffolding procedures, material handling at heights, the availability of safety
measures, and observable worker behaviors including PPE compliance and dangerous
practices, are documented using the descriptive technique. With a focus on the impact
of worker behavior, training, and supervision on accident incidence and risk severity,
the analytical technique is used to assess the correlations between identified risk
variables and safety results. In order to compare various scaffolding systems, training
levels, and supervision circumstances, a cross-sectional design is used, with data
gathered from many industrial and construction sites at one time. By connecting
human variables and observable hazards to work-at-height safety performance, this
research design offers an organized framework to achieve the study's goals.
Study Area and Population
The study was conducted across selected construction
and industrial project sites where scaffolding and elevated material shifting are
routine activities. These sites were chosen due to their high exposure to work-at-height
risks, including multi-level construction, temporary access systems, and frequent
material movement at elevated levels. The study population comprised workers and
personnel directly involved in or responsible for work-at-height activities, including
scaffolding workers, material handling workers, supervisors, safety officers, and
project engineers. This mixed population ensured representation of both operational
and supervisory perspectives, allowing the study to capture practical risk exposure,
worker behavior, training practices, supervision adequacy, and safety management
aspects relevant to the research objectives.
Sampling Technique and Sample Size
A purposive sampling technique was adopted to
select respondents directly engaged in work-at-height activities. A total
sample size of 120 respondents was used, comprising 70 workers (58%), 25
supervisors (21%), and 25 safety personnel/engineers (21%). This distribution
ensured balanced representation of operational and managerial perspectives. The
sample size was considered adequate for statistical analysis, maintaining a
confidence level of 95% with acceptable variability in responses.
Data Collection Methods
Data were collected using both primary and
secondary sources to ensure reliability, validity, and completeness in
assessing work-at-height risks in scaffolding and elevated material shifting
activities. Primary data were obtained through a structured questionnaire, site
observations, and informal interviews conducted at selected construction and
industrial sites. The questionnaire, designed based on safety literature and
professional input, captured information on hazard identification, existing
safety measures, worker behavior, training, supervision, and safety outcomes
using a five-point Likert scale. Site observations were carried out using a
standardized checklist to record actual scaffolding conditions, access systems,
PPE usage, and material handling practices, allowing validation of
questionnaire responses. Informal interviews with supervisors and safety
officers provided qualitative insights into accident causes, enforcement
challenges, and safety practices. Secondary data from safety standards,
manuals, and previous studies supported the theoretical framework, aided
questionnaire development, and facilitated comparison of findings with
established safety principles.
Research Variables
The study identifies and classifies research variables
to examine work-at-height safety in scaffolding and elevated material shifting activities.
Independent variables include scaffolding design and stability, availability of
safety equipment, worker training, adequacy of supervision, and worker behavioral
practices, as these factors directly influence work-at-height safety conditions.
Dependent variables represent safety outcomes and include accident frequency, injury
severity, and overall safety performance. To ensure valid cause–effect interpretation,
control variables such as type of project, worker experience, and nature of work-at-height
activity were considered, minimizing external influences on the observed relationships
between risk factors and safety outcomes.
Data Analysis
Descriptive statistical tools such as
frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were applied. Risk
assessment results showed that falls from height accounted for nearly 30–35% of
total identified hazards, making them the most critical risk factor.
Comparative analysis revealed that trained workers reported around 40–50% fewer
accidents compared to untrained workers. Correlation analysis indicated a
strong negative relationship (r ≈ -0.6) between training level and
accident frequency, and a moderate positive relationship (r ≈ 0.5)
between supervision adequacy and safety compliance, highlighting the importance
of human and organizational factors.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical principles were strictly observed throughout
the study to ensure responsible and transparent research conduct. Participation
was voluntary, and informed consent was obtained from all respondents after clearly
explaining the study objectives, scope, and use of data. Confidentiality and anonymity
were maintained by excluding personal and organizational identifiers, and findings
were reported in aggregated form only. Data collection activities were conducted
non-intrusively without disrupting site operations or exposing participants to additional
risks, and site safety rules were followed during observations. Data were securely
stored, objectively analyzed, and reported without fabrication or bias, while proper
acknowledgment of secondary sources ensured academic integrity.
Experimental Risk Assessment Procedure
An experimental risk assessment was conducted
using quantitative survey data from 100 respondents to evaluate exposure
levels, safety compliance, and training effectiveness in work-at-height
operations. A 5×5 risk matrix model was applied by assigning probability (1–5)
and severity (1–5) scores to identified hazards to calculate overall risk
levels. The analysis showed that approximately 24% of hazards were classified
as high risk, 52% as moderate risk, and 24% as low risk. Fall-related hazards
received the highest risk scores, with an average severity rating of 4.3/5 and
probability rating of 3.8/5. PPE availability was reported at around 68%, but
actual compliance was lower at nearly 50–55%, indicating a gap between
provision and usage. High-risk conditions such as absence of guardrails
(reported in ~30% of cases), improper harness anchorage (28%), and unsafe
material shifting practices (32%) were identified. These numerical findings
highlight a clear discrepancy between safety provisions and actual behavioral
practices at worksites.
Statistical Analysis of Survey Data
Descriptive statistical analysis was used to examine
exposure patterns, PPE compliance, training effectiveness, and safety awareness
related to work-at-height activities. Percentage and frequency distributions revealed
high exposure to elevated work, moderate access to safety equipment and training,
and comparatively lower levels of consistent PPE usage, anchorage awareness, and
emergency preparedness. The findings indicate a clear discrepancy between safety
provision and actual implementation, reinforcing the influence of behavioral and
supervisory factors on work-at-height safety outcomes.
Validation and Reliability of Experimental Findings
Data triangulation was employed to maintain
reliability and validity of the findings by using questions, observations, and
the recorded data of incidents. Strong correspondence between reported PPE use
and observed compliance also confirmed the accuracy of response, whereas
consistency between the high-risk areas and the documented incidents confirmed
the validity of the risk assessment results. Cronbach Alpha was used to test
internal consistency of the survey instrument and the value of 0.81 was
obtained, which is highly reliable. All these verification measures prove that
the results are sound statistically and representative of the real work-at-height
safety conditions.
Figure 2: Proposed Research Methodology Flow
Diagram
RESULTS
Analysis of Major Risk Factors in Work-at-Height
Activities
Below, a detailed discussion of the key risk factors
linked to work at height operations in the scaffolding and high materials shifting
works is provided. The analysis is done according to frequency assessment, severity
evaluation, and root causes of accidents. The critical focus is made on the awareness
of such major hazards as falls, scaffold stability, unsafe platforms and material
handling hazards at height. Through their systematic ranking and evaluation, this
section sets out some of the key risk areas that are incredibly harmful to the safety
and efficiency of the workers. The results form a basis on which preventive measures
and safety measures should be prioritized.
Table 1: Frequency of Identified Work-at-Height Hazards
|
Hazard Type |
Frequency (%) |
Rank |
|
Falls from scaffolding |
32 |
1 |
|
Slipping due to poor platforms |
21 |
2 |
|
Falling objects/materials |
18 |
3 |
|
Scaffold collapse/instability |
16 |
4 |
|
Weather-related risks |
13 |
5 |
Figure 3: Frequency of Identified Work-at-Height
Hazards
Table shows the proportion of key hazards in the
work-at-height activities. Scaffolding falls were reported as the most common hazard
with 32 percent of all the responses and they are first on the list of all hazards.
This shows the poor protection of edges, unsafe access points, and incorrect use
of scaffolding platforms are some of the most important safety issues at work sites.
Poor platforms (21%) and, therefore, slippery grounds were ranking at the second
place. 18% of the falls were related to falling objects and material with a primary
focus on the risk involved in not properly storing materials and unsecured heights.
Scaffold collapse or instability (16%) indicates an element of weaknesses in erection
work and its control of loads, whereas weather associated risks (13%) indicate the
effect of the environment including the wind and rain. In general, the results show
that the threat of falls prevails over the work-at-height hazards, which supports
the presence of specific preventive practices.
Table 2: Risk Severity Assessment of Work-at-Height Hazards
|
Hazard |
Low |
Medium |
High |
|
Falls from height |
6% |
28% |
66% |
|
Falling materials |
14% |
47% |
39% |
|
Scaffold instability |
18% |
36% |
46% |
Figure 4: Risk Severity Assessment
Table demonstrates the perceived level of severity
of significant work-at-height hazards. Sixty-six percent of respondents ranked falls
from height as high severity, which means that they may cause fatal outcomes and
can affect the health of workers in the long run. A low percentage (6) rated these
hazards as low severity as this is indicative of the prevalence of awareness on
how serious these hazards could be. The severity rating of scaffold instability
was also high at 46% indicating the risk of structural failure during high work.
Most respondents rated falling materials as medium to high severity, which indicates
that even in the absence of falls, there are chances of fatal injuries. The findings
obviously show that hazards related to falls are not only common but severe as well.
High frequency and high severity cumulative result in the urgency to adopt solid
mitigation measures that are quick and decisive in nature, such as better engineering
control and higher safety enforcement.
Table 3: Causes of Scaffolding-Related Accidents
|
Cause |
Percentage (%) |
|
Improper erection |
34 |
|
Overloading |
27 |
|
Poor
maintenance |
22 |
|
Unauthorized modification |
17 |
Figure 5: Causes of Scaffolding-Related Accidents
Table determines the main facts causing accidents
during scaffoldings. Poor installation became the dominant cause, and it has been
the cause of accidents in 34 percent of incidences. The result of this event is
indicative of incompetence in technical skill, inadequate preparation, and insufficient
compliance with normal standards of erection. Scaffolding structures were the second
frequent cause of accidents (27%), and it was observed to be caused by unsafe working
conditions (storing too much material or loading beyond limits). 22% of accidents
were caused by poor maintenance with a specific focus on the lack of care in terms
of inspecting and repairing the parts of the scaffold in time. Unauthorized modification
contributed to 17% indicating the unsafe changes implemented without the consent
of engineering. All of these findings are used to suggest that the majority of accidents
in scaffolding can be avoided and are caused not by the inevitable circumstances
but the procedural and managerial mistakes made by the company. The findings emphasize
the need to have trained scaffolders, tight/high levels of supervision as well as
standard safety guidelines to minimize scaffolding incidents.
Table 4: Material Shifting Risks at Elevated Levels
|
Risk Factor |
Mean Score |
|
Manual handling |
4.2 |
|
Improper lifting tools |
3.9 |
|
Lack of barricading |
4.1 |
|
Poor coordination |
3.8 |
Figure 6: Material Shifting Risks at Elevated
Levels
Table gives the average scores of risk factors
that were connected with high material shifting activities. The highest mean score
was the one (4.2) of the manual handling where a strong perception of risk was observed
owing to the physical strain, loss of balance, and restricted working space at height.
The mean score of lack of barricading was also high (4.1) indicating that there
was poor protection of the edges during material movement thus increasing the chances
of falls and the fall of object. The signs of a lack of or negative use of mechanical
aids manifest in improper lifting tools (3.9), whereas poor coordination (3.8) indicates
a lack of worker to worker communication during lifting processes. The revealed
results indicate that high material movement has physical and organizational dangers.
To combat these risks, there should be better material handling systems, appropriate
barricading, application of appropriate lifting equipment, and well organized work
processes in order to reduce the chances of accidents.
Table 5: Overall Risk Index for Work-at-Height Activities
|
Activity |
Risk Index |
|
Scaffolding work |
0.78 |
|
Elevated material shifting |
0.74 |
|
Maintenance at height |
0.69 |
Figure 7: Risk Index for Work-at-Height Activities
Table gives the general risk index values of the
various work-at-height activities. The highest risk index was found to be 0.78 in
scaffolding work hence, being the riskiest activity among the activities that had
been evaluated on risk. It can be attributed to its intersection of measures of
structural, behavioral and environmental risk. The high material shifting was close
after with a risk index of 0.74 which is a sign of load manipulating, balance, and
height coordination hazards. The maintenance at height reflected a relatively smaller
index of risk (0.69) though it is an important safety issue. The findings verify
that scaffolding operations are the most dangerous in terms of a regular risk and
need priority in treatment. Risk index analysis is useful in the allocation of resources
where it is found that the activities require urgent safety measures, specific training,
and increased supervision to minimize the chances of accidents.
Role of Worker Behavior, Training, and Supervision
This section explores how the behavior of workers,
training, and supervision of an activity can have an impact in the safety outcome
of a work at height activity. The issue of human and organizational factors are
significant in preventing accidents especially in risky circumstances like working
on a scaffold. The analysis will include training coverage, unfavorable behavior
risk, supervision adequacy, safety awareness level and their association with accident
frequency. This section outlines the significance of competency development, effective
supervision, and safety culture in minimizing work-at-height accidents by demonstrating
the trend in behavior and practice in management.
Table 6: Worker Training Status
|
Training Type |
Trained (%) |
Not Trained (%) |
|
Work-at-height safety |
62 |
38 |
|
Scaffolding assembly |
55 |
45 |
Figure 8: Worker Training Status
Table displays the training of the workers engaged
in working at height activities. The findings reveal that 62 percent of the employees
were being trained on work-at-height safety with 38 percent not having any training.
The level of training regarding scaffolding assembly was also low at 55 percent
and 45 percent. Such a good percentage of the untrained labour force underscores
a serious lack of safety preparedness at workplace. Lack of proper training restrains
workers by the fact that they are not able to identify hazardous situations, use
safe working procedures and appropriately adopt the safety equipment. The results
indicate that insufficient unorganized and compulsory training systems are also
a great source of unsafe practice and accident. To achieve better performance in
terms of safety and lowering the risks associated with working at heights, the efforts
to improve training coverage, particularly in technical fields like scaffolding
assembly, are needed.
Table 7: Unsafe Behavioral Practices Observed
|
Behavior |
Frequency (%) |
|
Not using PPE |
29 |
|
Overreaching |
24 |
|
Improper climbing |
21 |
|
Rushing tasks |
26 |
Figure 9: Unsafe Behavioral Practices Observed
Table highlights the risks of unsafe behavioral
practice that is observed in working at height. There was failure to use personal
protective equipment (which was 29%) and rushing tasks (26%). Overreaching was the
cause of 24% and inappropriate climbing methods caused 21% unsafe acts. These activities
point to a limit combination of a risk-taking attitude, time urge, and insufficient
safety awareness of employees. PPE negligence and hurry are especially dangerous
as they directly cause the possibility of falls and severe injuries rise. It is
shown that the behavioral factors also contribute considerably to the work-at-height
accidents and cannot be mitigated with the help of engineering controls only. Unsafe
actions at workplaces need to be minimized by implementing specific behavioral safety
initiatives, constant oversight, as well as the reinforcement of safe behavior.
Table 8: Supervision Adequacy Assessment
|
Level |
Percentage (%) |
|
Adequate |
44 |
|
Moderate |
36 |
|
Inadequate |
20 |
Figure 10: Supervision Adequacy Assessment
Table presents the perceptions of workers regarding
adequacy of supervising at the worksites. Concerning the supervision, only 44% believed
that supervision was adequate,36% believed that it was moderate and 20% believed
that it was inadequate. The fact that it has poor supervision could be a significant
issue, and it is closely related to the number of unsafe acts and the lack of adherence
to safety measures. The moderate supervision is at least superior to ineffective
one, but it still may permit unsafe practices. The results indicate that an effective
supervision is a crucial component to implement safety regulations, correct inappropriate
business habits, and appropriate usage of protective workers. Supervisory capacity
can be enhanced by means of training, accountability and being on site which will
go a long way in ensuring compliance and minimising work-at-height accidents.
Table 9: Relationship Between Training and Accident
Frequency
|
Training Status |
Avg. Accidents/Year |
|
Trained workers |
1.3 |
|
Untrained workers |
2.7 |
Figure 11: Training and Accident Frequency
Table is used to show the correlation between
the status of the employees in the training and the occurrence of accidents. The
transport of trained workers had the average accident of 1.3 each year whereas untrained
workers had a much higher average of 2.7 each year. This is about 50 percent cut
in the number of accidents in cases involving trained workers, which will definitely
indicate the effectiveness of safety training. Through training, workers are taught
the knowledge and skills, which they need to recognize the hazards, observe safe
working tips and how to react to risky emergencies. The evidence indicates intelligently
the functionality of the training as a precautionary approach in the management
of work at height. Safety training programs, which are extensive and ongoing can
be used to achieve a good deal of reducing the accident rates and enhancing the
overall safety performance.
Table 10: Safety Awareness Level
|
Awareness Level |
Mean Score |
|
High |
4.5 |
|
Medium |
3.6 |
|
Low |
2.4 |
Figure 12: Safety Awareness Level
Table gives the average scores of various degrees
of safety awareness of workers. The highest mean score was noted as high safety
awareness (4.5) that means a high level of adherence to safety processes and active
prevention of risks. The mean score of medium awareness was moderate (3.6), whereas
the low awareness score was the lowest at 2.4 which is poor safety behavior with
high exposure to risk. The findings show that there is evident positive correlation
between safe work practice and safety awareness. More aware workers’ pay more attention
to safety rules, protective gear, and un-risky conduct. These results indicate that
awareness building programs constitute a major element of work-at-height safety
programs.
DISCUSSION
The results of this study reaffirm that falls
from height are the dominant risk in scaffolding and elevated material shifting
operations, consistent with occupational safety reports and guidelines referenced
in the attached thesis, which identify falls as the leading cause of serious injuries
and fatalities in construction and industrial work-at-height. [13] Although safety
measures such as scaffolding systems, guardrails, and personal protective equipment
were largely available, their effectiveness was undermined by inconsistent usage,
insufficient maintenance, and weak enforcement, reflecting gaps between safety provisions
and actual site practices noted in earlier studies cited in the thesis. The findings
further demonstrate that worker behavior, training, and supervision play a critical
role in safety outcomes, as inadequate training and poor supervisory control were
associated with higher accident occurrence and unsafe practices. [14] Overall, the
discussion supports the conclusion drawn in the referenced literature that effective
mitigation of work-at-height risks requires an integrated approach combining engineering
controls, administrative enforcement, continuous training, and strong organizational
commitment.
CONCLUSION
The
paper concludes that work-at-height operations, especially scaffolding and
moving of materials are associated with a lot of risk because of falls,
unstable platforms and unsafe operations. Despite the availability of safety
tools such as PPE and guardrails, they are poorly adhered to, under-trained,
and poorly supervised. The actions of workers and organizational
characteristics are very critical in the occurrence of accidents. The results
show that to enhance the safety performance and to minimize the accidents,
proper training, strict supervision, and an integrated safety measure are
required.
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