FALL PROTECTION SAFETY
Fall protection and safety is a major concern at construction sites. 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 six feet or more on the construction site, you must be protected.
Unprotected Sides, Wall Openings and Floor Holes
Almost all sites have unprotected sides and edges, wall openings or floor holes at some point during construction. 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 of 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.
About the Author
Share This Story
Related Blogs
Five Strategies for Reducing Workers’ Compensation Costs
When a company experiences significant increases in workers’ compensation costs, it usually triggers internal activities aimed at reducing insurance costs and spending. The key to spending fewer dollars is more than just stopping a few accidents; it is having a sound safety program designed to continuously improve. This is where a safety program that, at a minimum, is compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards can yield significant savings for by reducing injuries and illnesses, saving workers’ compensation dollars.
Hidden Risks of Summer School: Operational Safety Strategies Schools Can’t Ignore
Summer school risk management is essential to ensuring student and staff safety during the warm months. Many districts overlook the unique challenges tied to summer school risk management. Often, summer sessions operate in secondary campuses, under temporary staffing, and with reduced oversight—making them vulnerable. Proactive planning is essential to keep students and staff safe in environments that may not be designed for extended year-round use.
Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in the Construction Industry
The construction industry is continuously moving toward digitization, adopting advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Building Information Modeling software. These innovations help to automate tasks, reduce waste and improve efficiency, productivity and safety.