What is a common risk of working at elevated heights?

When working at elevated heights, the most significant risk is falls from those heights. This concern is particularly relevant in the ironworking profession, where workers often operate on scaffolding, ladders, or other structures that are high off the ground. The potential for serious injury or fatality from a fall makes this risk paramount.

Falls can occur due to several factors, including lost footing, failure to use appropriate safety equipment such as harnesses and guardrails, or even structural failures. Understanding this risk is critical for preventing accidents and ensuring safety protocols are followed strongly among ironworkers.

While exposure to hypothermia, falling tools, and structural instability can pose risks in certain contexts or conditions, they are not as directly associated with the inherent danger of working at heights as falls are. Thus, falls from heights remains the primary concern in this scenario.