With safety on the jobsite constantly an issue of concern, it is important to ensure the correct work practices are being employed. Stilts are of particular danger in the plastering trade as they create a number of risks.
Before using stilts, plasterers should be aware of any possible hazards in their work environment. The work space must be ‘plaster ready’ before any work on stilts can commence. This includes being aware of changes in the levels of flooring, railings adjacent to edges, wall and ceiling features that may restrict movement, windows and trip hazards.
The design of stilts does not provide the same range of movement as standing on the floor due to foot constraints. This reduces the capacity to recover from a potential fall. Therefore workers must understand that manual handling and bending are not safe practices whilst using stilts.
Anyone using stilts must be fully trained to do so and made aware of the correct and incorrect uses. Tasks that are suitable to be undertaken whilst using stilts are
- placing insulation batts
- installing furring channels
- patching, touching up and stopping of joints using a trowel
- fixing cornices
- minor hand sanding
Saftey on the worksite is the most important consideration in your everyday working life. When working you should first consider your own safety and secondly consider the safety of others. Always be aware of your working environment and the hazards around you and ensure that you are always provided with and wearing the appropriate safety gear for your job. If you take the necessary precautions, you are reducing the risk of injury to both yourself and your work mates.
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