Ornamental & Miscellaneous Ironworkers

Ornamental and miscellaneous ironworkers fabricate and install stairs, railings, gates, ladders, fences, grating and decorative metalwork. The parts are heavy and awkward, and the work often takes place at edges and openings.

• Ironworkers
• Fabricators
• Installers

Hazards

• Falls from stair openings, edges, scaffolds and ladders while installing railings and stair parts. See Guardrail Systems.
• Heavy lifting and crushing when setting stair stringers, gates and long rails by hand or with equipment.
• Welding, cutting and grinding: fumes, sparks and burns. See Welding & Cutting and Angle Grinder.
• Sharp edges, burrs and pinch points.
• Hoisting and rigging of large pieces. See Rigging Basics.
• Chemicals such as galvanizing, paints and coatings. See Galvanized Metal Fume Fever.

Installing stairs and rails

• Plan the sequence. Stairs, landings and their rails should be installed with temporary protection in place; do not leave open sides or holes unguarded.
• Follow the rules for stairs and railings: top rails at the required height, with midrails and strength to resist loads. See Stairways.
• Use lifting equipment and enough people for heavy stringers and posts. Use tag lines.
• Brace and support pieces until they are fully welded or bolted.
• Use personal fall arrest when working at an open edge more than 6 feet above a lower level in construction and no guardrail is in place.

Shop and field work

• Wear gloves for cut protection, safety glasses, a face shield for grinding, hearing protection and welding PPE
• Ventilate or use fume extraction when welding or grinding painted or galvanized metal
• Secure long pieces with clamps on the bench; do not hold small parts by hand while grinding
• Keep the work area free of trip hazards and scrap
• Control sparks and fire risk near flammables; keep an extinguisher close
• Use proper lifting technique or mechanical aids. See Lifting Ergonomics

Last updated: October 8, 2026