What is a common hazard faced by line workers when working at heights?

When working at heights, the risk of falling is a significant hazard that line workers face. This is primarily due to the nature of their work, which often involves climbing poles, working on elevated platforms, or installing equipment at various heights. The potential for falls exists if proper safety measures, such as harnesses and guardrails, are not utilized or if workers do not follow protocols for securing themselves. Protecting against falls is a fundamental aspect of safety training for line workers because even a small misstep or failure to use safety equipment can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

While electrical shock, exposure to chemicals, and equipment failure are also critical hazards in the line worker profession, they do not specifically pertain to the risks encountered when working at heights. These hazards, while serious, can occur in a variety of environments and situations unrelated to elevation. Therefore, understanding and mitigating the risk of falling is paramount for line workers to ensure their safety during height-related tasks.