Steel monkeys are iron or steelworkers who work at great heights, such as in the construction of skyscrapers or bridges. They are highly skilled and often receive high pay rates due to the potential dangers of their job. Steel monkeys must be strong, agile, and work well in a team. Safety measures are required by law, but some workers avoid harnesses. Many steel monkeys are part of ranching groups or teams installing new beams to expand the height of a structure. The term “steel monkey” is of American origin and is most commonly used by iron and steel workers in the United States.
A steel monkey is an iron or steelworker who specializes in work at great heights, such as those involved in the construction of a skyscraper or bridge. Working as a steel monkey can be quite risky, as falls from great heights can be fatal, even with a safety harness, and as a result, these skilled workers often get a high pay rate to offset the potential dangers of the their job.
When any type of steel structure is erected, it must be built piece by piece from scratch. While working on or near the ground, this is termed “low steel” and while it can still be dangerous, it is relatively safe compared to “high steel” at the top of the structure as it is being built. Many steel monkeys are part of ranching groups, the teams installing new beams to expand the height of the structure, while others follow along to rivet the beams into place and strengthen the structure, making sure it is sound.
The term “steel monkey” is of American origin and is most commonly used by iron and steel workers in the United States. Chicago and New York, two strongholds of framed skyscraper construction, boast high numbers of steel monkeys, including many Native Americans. Members of the Mohawk tribe in particular have been involved in ironworking for multiple generations and are renowned in the building community for their talent and daring.
Several skills are required in a steel monkey, beyond the basic ability to work with steel and iron. Steel Monkeys must be extremely strong, as they must be able to manipulate girders and heavy equipment. They must also be very agile, with a good sense of balance and the ability to compensate for the motions of a skyscraper or bridge as it moves in the wind. A steel ape is also a member of a coordinated team of individuals and must be attuned to other team members.
By law, steel monkeys and other steel workers must be protected with hard hats, safety harnesses, and other safety measures. However, some steel monkeys avoid harnesses, because they find them cumbersome or frustrating to work with. Others say that safety harnesses actually hinder their safety, preferring to take the risk of a catastrophic fall rather than work around the cumbersome confines of a harness. However, more and more construction companies are recognizing the value of safety measures, and tall steel masts are regularly inspected to make sure workers are taking care of themselves and each other.
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