Working at Heights Terms and Glossary.

B

Biomechanics

The study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms. In Working at Heights, biomechanics helps us understand how forces affect the body during work at height and handling tasks.

Base of Support

The area beneath a person that includes every point of contact with the supporting surface. A wider base of support (feet shoulder-width apart) provides greater stability during work at height.

C

Centre of Gravity

The point at which the entire weight of a body may be considered as concentrated. Keeping your centre of gravity low and over your base of support improves stability when working at height.

Cumulative Trauma

Injury that develops gradually over time due to repeated small stresses rather than a single incident. Many Working at Heights injuries are cumulative rather than acute.

E

fall prevention ergonomics

The science of designing and arranging things so people can use them efficiently and safely. Ergonomic workstation design reduces work-at-height risks.

Environment

In the hazard assessment for work at height, the E stands for Environment - the physical conditions where Working at Heights takes place, including space, flooring, lighting, and temperature.

H

HSA

Health and Safety Authority - the national body in Ireland with responsibility for securing health and safety at work. The HSA enforces health and safety legislation and provides guidance on Working at Heights.

Hazard

Something with the potential to cause harm. In Working at Heights, hazards include elevated working positions, unstable stance on a ladder or platforms, repetitive movements, and poor environmental conditions.

L

Load

In the hazard assessment for work at height, the L stands for Load - the object being handled. Assessment considers the load's weight, size, shape, stability, grip points, and contents.

Lumbar Region

The lower back region of the spine, consisting of the five lumbar vertebrae. This area is most vulnerable to Working at Heights injuries.

Lordosis

The inward curve of the lumbar spine. Maintaining the natural lordotic curve during work at height helps protect the spine from injury.

M

Working at Heights

Any transporting or supporting of a load by one or more employees. This includes lifting, lowering, accessing elevated surfaces, working on platforms, climbing, moving, holding, or restraining objects or people.

Fall Arrest System

Fall Arrest System - equipment designed to stop a worker in mid-fall and limit the forces on the body. A complete fall arrest system is built from three elements: a full-body harness, a shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting lifeline, and a rated anchor point. All three must be inspected and in date.

Mechanical Advantage

Using the body's natural levers and fulcrums efficiently to reduce effort. Proper technique maximises mechanical advantage when working at height.

P

Posture

The position and alignment of the body. Good posture during Working at Heights means maintaining the natural curves of the spine and avoiding awkward positions.

Power Zone

The area between mid-thigh and mid-chest height where lifting is safest and most efficient. Loads should be kept in this zone when possible.

R

Risk Assessment

The process of identifying hazards, evaluating the risk of harm, and determining appropriate control measures. Employers must conduct risk assessments for work-at-height tasks.

Repetitive Strain

Injury caused by repeated movements that stress the same muscles, tendons, or joints. Repetitive Working at Heights without adequate rest can cause cumulative joint strain.

S

Fall Arrest Anchor

The cushion-like pads between vertebrae that act as shock absorbers. Poor fall prevention technique can damage or cause serious spinal injury in a fall.

Safe System of Work

A procedure that results from systematic examination of a task to identify all hazards and defines safe methods to ensure hazards are eliminated or risks minimised.

T

Risk Assessment for Work at Height

A risk assessment framework for Working at Heights: Task - Individual - Load - Environment. Assessing these four factors helps identify and control work-at-height risks.

Task

In the hazard assessment for work at height, the T stands for Task - the activity being performed. Assessment considers movements required, distances, frequency, and duration.

team-based height work

Two or more people working together to move a load that is too heavy or awkward for one person. Requires coordination and clear communication.

W

Warm-up

Preparatory activities that increase blood flow to muscles and improve flexibility before physical work. Warming up reduces injury risk during Working at Heights.

Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD)

A range of conditions affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and neck. Also known as repetitive strain injury (RSI).