Fall protection and safety is a major concern at the workplace. In fact, OSHA cites injuries from falls as one of its top 10 worksite injuries.
Falls and falling objects can result from unstable working surfaces, ladders that are not safely positioned and misuse of fall protection. Workers are also subject to falls or the dangers of falling objects if sides and edges, floor holes and wall openings are not protected. Any time you are working at a height of four feet or more at the workplace, you must be protected.
Unprotected Sides, Wall Openings and Floor Holes
Unprotected sides and edges, wall openings or floor holes can be very common. If these sides and openings are not protected, injuries from falls or falling objects may result. Use at least one of the following whenever you are exposed to a fall or six feet or more above a lower level:
- Guardrail systems
- Safety net systems
- Fall arrest systems
Additional Safety Precautions
- Cover or guard floor holes promptly after creating them.
- Construct floor hole covers so they will effectively support two times the weight of workers, equipment and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time.
- Use fall prevention systems like guardrails, rather than protection systems like safety nets or fall arrest devices.
Ladders
You also increase your chances of falling if you are using portable ladders that are not safely positioned each time you use them. While you are on a ladder, it may move or slip from its supports. You may also lose your balance while getting on and off an unsteady ladder.
Take the following fall protection measures when using ladders:
- Position portable ladders so side rails extend at least three feet above the landing.
- Secure side rails at the top to a rigid support and use a grab device when a three-foot extension is not possible.
- Make sure that the weight on the ladder will not cause it to slip off its support.
- Inspect ladders for cracked, broken or defective parts prior to each use. If a ladder is broken, tag it as defective and remove it from service.
- Don’t apply more weight on a ladder than it is designed to support.
- Only use ladders that comply with OSHA standards.
For more risk insights and best practices, contact INSURICA today.
This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. ©2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved
About the Author
Share This Story
Related Blogs
Flexible Compensation: A Necessary Evolution
In today’s fast-evolving job market, flexible compensation is redefining how companies attract and retain talent. Traditional pay structures, once seen as stable and predictable, are now losing appeal, particularly among younger professionals who prioritize personalized benefits over rigid salary scales. While flexible compensation models have gradually emerged since the early 2000s, the post-pandemic work era has rapidly accelerated their adoption—driven by shifting workforce expectations, economic volatility, and the rise of remote work and gig employment.
Balancing Employee Wellbeing and Financial Pressures
In today’s economic climate, businesses are facing rising costs and inflationary pressures, leading to a fundamental reassessment of employee benefits programs. While mental health and wellbeing initiatives remain a priority for employers, there is a growing demand for measurable impact and cost-efficient solutions rather than superficial perks. As companies strive to balance budget constraints with competitive benefits, the future of workplace wellness is shifting toward strategic, high-value programs that support employee health without breaking financial sustainability.
How Businesses Are Using Data Analytics to Optimize Employee Benefits Engagement
In today’s competitive job market, businesses are increasingly leveraging data analytics to enhance employee benefits engagement, ensuring that workers fully utilize available resources. Traditional benefits programs often suffer from low participation rates due to lack of awareness, complexity, or misalignment with employee needs. By integrating data-driven insights, companies can personalize benefits offerings, improve communication strategies, and maximize employee satisfaction while optimizing costs.