Your firm just took on a new building project – it’s a big one and everyone is buzzing about it. But it will require your workers to be at heights for a large part of their workday. Your past projects haven’t involved this. This means you've got a bit of a learning curve to deal with.
You're unfamiliar with the many details involved in working at height. But you know that one of the most important considerations is worker safety. Still, you're not exactly sure where to start.
Do you need to invest in fall protection? Absolutely. But who will need it? And what kind of protection will they need?
Falls are among the most common causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 800 workers died from falls on the same level or to lower levels in 2014. Further, more than 261,000 workers missed one or more work days from such falls. This statistic refers to workers in private industry, state, and local government sectors.
The construction industry accounts for the highest frequency of fall-related deaths. This is due to the often dangerous nature of the work. But there's good news! Workplace falls are entirely preventable with the proper use of fall protection devices.
Getting to Know the OSHA Standards
Your first step should be to familiarize yourself with OSHA fall prevention regulations. OSHA standard 1926.501 outlines when and how to use fall arrest systems. The standard encompasses various industries and situations.
Federal regulations mandate the use of fall protection at the following elevations:
OSHA also requires anyone working over dangerous equipment and machinery to use fall protection. This regulation stands regardless of the elevation distance. It includes anyone working above conveyors, vats, tanks, crushers, and foundry equipment.
Every job site is different, which means that your fall protection needs will vary. What works for one project may be completely ineffective for another. This is why it’s critical to conduct a full assessment to identify hazards and figure out how to address them.
Questions to consider during your assessment include:
There are a wide range of options to prevent and arrest falls. Let’s take a look at the three conventional forms of fall protection.
Installing guardrails around the edges of platforms helps to prevent workers from falling. In some applications, guardrail systems are practical and can be safely installed. In these cases, OSHA requires the top edge height of top rails to be 42 inches (+/- 3 inches) above the walking-working surface.
There may not be a wall that measures at least 21 inches high. When this occurs, install midrails, screens, mesh, or solid panels. Their location should be midway between the walking-working surface and the top edge of the guardrail.
Guardrail systems may be appropriate when working around holes. They're also suitable for use on ramps and runways, and around hoist areas.
Safety nets don’t prevent falls, but they can catch workers before they fall too far.
Like guardrails, safety nets provide collective protection. They protect everyone working at height in a given area. They also provide “passive protection,” which means that workers do not have to do anything to be safe. In other words, there is no personal equipment to inspect. Further, individual workers aren't responsible for using them properly.
There are many OSHA-mandated regulations to meet if this is the route you take. But you must first ensure that a safety net makes the most sense for your operation. Some of the major points from OSHA include:
|
Vertical distance from working level to horizontal plane of net |
Minimum required horizontal distance of outer edge of net from edge of working surface |
|
Up to 5 feet |
8 feet |
|
5 to 10 feet |
10 feet |
|
More than 10 feet |
13 feet |
Applications where safety nets may be appropriate include:
Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Personal fall arrest systems attach to the worker. They consist of several components:
It’s essential to have every piece of equipment inspected before each use to ensure it’s free of damage. There are no exceptions to this.
Full-body harnesses minimize stress on a worker’s body in the event of a fall. It’s important that harnesses fit properly to ensure safety and effectiveness. The harness should fit snugly, but it should still provide the freedom to move around and perform work duties. Need help picking the right harness for the job? Check out our blog "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Fall Harness"
Cant decide between the two? Find out the pros and cons in our informative blog "How to Choose the Right Deceleration Device: Energy Absorbing Lanyards Vs. SRLs"
There are two types of lifelines, each of which is appropriate in a different situation:
Selecting the right anchorage device is crucial. If a worker falls, that anchor will bear the force generated by the fall, and the resulting weight of the suspended worker. Their life will depend on its strength. The anchor must be easily accessible, and located a safe distance above obstacles. It must also be capable of supporting 5,000 pounds per worker.
Falls are complex events. While equipment is important, we can’t neglect the human aspect. Training is a critical part of preventing falls and creating a safer workplace.
That's why workers should receive ongoing fall protection training to stay up-to-date. It should encompass safety regulations and best practices in their industry. Provide training and review sessions on how to inspect equipment, as well. All workers using fall protection systems require this training.
When it comes to safety, fall protection is no joke. Everyone must do their part to protect workers.