Fall Hazards & Prevention
A fall can occur from a variety of unsecured surfaces in the work area, including ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and unprotected openings. More so, a fall typically occurs due to a lack of knowledge in fall prevention. Recognizing strategies for fall prevention, such as incorporating guardrails, using toe boards, tying off to appropriate anchors, and guarding openings, can prevent a number of falls.
However, these practices are still not of the norm for many jobsites who continue to ignore the pressing importance of the OSHA 1926.503 (a) guideline. In which:
OSHA 1926.503 (a)(1) states that the employer shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. The training program shall enable each employee to recognize the hazards of falling and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed in order to minimize these hazards.
OSHA 1926.503 (a)(2) states that the employer shall assure that each employee has been trained, as necessary, by a competent person qualified in the follow areas:
1. The nature of fall hazards in the work area.
2. The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting the fall protection systems to be used.
3. The use and operation of guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, warning line systems, safety monitoring systems, controlled access zones, and other protection to be used.
4. The role of each employee in the safety monitoring system when this system is used.
5. The limitations on the use of mechanical equipment during the performance of roofing work on low-sloped roofs.
6. The correct procedures for the handling and storage of equipment and materials and the erection of overhead protection.
7. The role of employees in fall protection plans.
8. The standards contained in subpart M.
The products and training classes developed by Guardian Fall Protection are designed to ensure the safety of both the worker and employer, whether it is from harm or fines.
To learn more and how you can easily comply with OSHA's fall protection standards, contact Guardian customer service at 800.466.6385 and/or request a training class today.
Did You Know?
• The average injury claim including benefits costs the employer $8,000.
• The average cost savings associated with injury prevention is an estimated $24,842 a year.
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Fall Distance Calculation |
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A- ANCHORAGE/ANCHORAGE CONNECTOR
Anchorage : Commonly referred to as a tie-off point: I-Beam, Truss, etc. Must be able to support 5,000lbs. in the direction a fall may occur. (Roof Trust,I-Beam) Anchorage Connector:Used to join the anchorage to the connecting device: Beam Anchor, Truss Anchor, etc. B - BODY WEAR Personal protective equipment worn by the worker: full body harness. This is the only acceptable form of body wear for fall arrest. The harness distributes fall forces throughout the body and keeps the worker suspended in an upright position while awaiting rescue. C - CONNECTING DEVICE This is the link that joins the body wear to the anchor or anchorage connector. It is important to consider poten- tial fall distance when determining which type of con- necting device to use. Shock absorbing devices reduce the amount of impact forces your body receives. P - PASSIVE SYSTEMS The equipment designed for use as an attachment point for a personal fall arrest system: G-rail, C-Slab Grabber, Angel Anchor, Parapet Clamp, etc. R - RESCUE SYSTEMS The equipment designed for rescue from vertical and horizontal situations where a ?exible line system is re- quired that can be tensioned or released in a controlled manner. |
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