Communication Tower Climbers

Tower climbers install and maintain cell, radio and broadcast antennas hundreds of feet in the air. Falls have made this one of the deadliest jobs per worker in the U.S.

• Telecom

Top hazards

• Falls during climbing and while transitioning between connections
• Structural collapse during modifications
• Hoisting failures (capstan hoists, gin poles), and falling objects
• Radio frequency (RF) exposure from active antennas
• Weather: wind, lightning, ice, heat

Key practices

• 100% tie-off: use double lanyards or a climbing safety system so you’re always connected.
• Get climber and rescue training; have a written rescue plan and a trained rescuer on site.
• Inspect harness, lanyards and climbing systems before each climb.
• Coordinate RF lockout or power-down with carriers; wear an RF monitor.
• Use hoists only within their ratings and with trained operators; never ride a load line except with approved personnel hoisting systems.
• Tether tools. See Tool Tethering.

Training and qualifications

• Authorized climber: trained to climb and use fall protection, working under a competent climber.
• Competent climber: more experience and training, able to lead a crew and spot hazards.
• Rescue training: every crew should be able to perform a rescue without waiting for the fire department.
• Industry standards such as ANSI/ASSP A10.48 cover communication structure work, and many carriers require specific certifications.

RF exposure

Antennas on towers and rooftops can emit radio frequency energy strong enough to heat body tissue. Coordinate with the carrier to reduce or turn off power before working near antennas, observe posted RF signs and boundaries, and wear a personal RF monitor.

Hoisting

• Capstan hoists and gin poles must be set up and operated by trained workers within their ratings.
• Keep the area under the tower and hoist line barricaded.
• Use tag lines and keep climbers out of the path of loads.

Before the climb

• Job hazard analysis and rescue plan reviewed
• Weather checked: wind, lightning, ice, heat
• Harness, lanyards, positioning and climbing systems inspected
• RF power-down coordinated; RF monitor on
• Tools tethered
• Drop zone barricaded
• Trained rescuer and rescue kit on site

Last updated: October 1, 2026