Between working from height, using heavy machinery, and undertaking complex lifting operations, steel erectors face numerous risks as part of their daily work.
According to some of the latest HSE construction statistics for Great Britain, 47,000 workers on average sustained non-fatal injuries at work annually between 2021-2024 – a stark reminder of the importance of safety practices.
To avoid becoming part of this statistic, SB Skills outlines the key essentials for steel erector safety in the UK – drawing from both National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) steel erector safety guidelines and real-world industry experience.
- Working safely at height
Steel erectors often work at height to assemble framework which naturally comes with the risk of falling, resulting in potential bruises, soft tissue damage, fractures, and in more severe cases, death.
Our working at height safety tips for steel erectors include:
- If possible, eliminating the need to work at height completely via edge protection and stairs
- Utilising working platforms, like mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs)
- Learning how to safely ‘straddle’ beams – if work platforms are unsuitable
- Introducing fall protection, such as nets, twin lanyards, and harnesses
- Wearing the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
To help protect themselves against a diverse range of physical hazards, such as falling objects, being struck by steel, injuries from heavy machinery, and constant loud noises, steel erectors must wear the appropriate PPE.
PPE for steel erectors can include:
- Hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots
- High-visibility clothing – especially around moving vehicles and equipment
- Flame-resistant clothing where necessary, such as environments where sparks are created
- Weather-appropriate clothing, for example, when working outdoors
- Conducting site-specific risk assessments
No two construction sites are the same. They each pose unique hazards that must be identified, evaluated, and mitigated to ensure effective safety strategies can be implemented.
These site-specific assessments should align with established structural steel safety procedures to ensure compliance and minimise risk.
As part of this process, steel erectors should:
- Identify all risks related to the use of heavy equipment, working at height, and site access
- Evaluate the risks of each identified hazard and implement mitigation measures
- Document both the hazards and the control measures
- Completing the appropriate training
In line with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, steel erectors must complete the appropriate training. Alongside being a legal requirement, comprehensive training is key to reducing the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities in this physical, high-risk role.
With the right training, steel erectors should be able to:
- Act in compliance with both construction site and industry standards
- Understand how to work safely at height and use tools and materials correctly
- Carry out effective, tailored on-site risk assessments
- Evaluate the risks of each identified hazard and implement mitigation measures
- Communicate clearly as part of a team – often liaising with crane operators, slingers, and supervisors)
- Properly maintaining equipment
As part of their day-to-day responsibilities, steel erectors use a wide range of equipment and tools, including lifting equipment such as cranes, MEWPs, and impact wrenches. Failure to properly maintain this equipment can have a negative impact on safety, efficiency, and site compliancy.
To ensure equipment is well-maintained, steel erectors should:
- Carry out pre-use checks to identify any equipment faults prior to operation
- Ensure equipment is cleaned and stored appropriately in secure spaces
- Arrange regular equipment inspections and document all maintenance work
- Immediately stop using and report any faulty or unsafe equipment
Accredited steel erection training in the UK
As an Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) accredited provider of steel erection training, you can trust the qualified and experienced team of instructors at SB Skills to progress your career in the construction industry.
We offer two levels of steel erector training in line with your experience in this role, covering everything from vital construction site safety practices to moving and installing steelwork components.
We offer training and assessment services for both:
To find out more about these courses or to discuss your specific needs, please don’t hesitate to speak to our team today.
Call 01695 558 420 or email your enquiry to info@sbskills.co.uk.
