Top 10 Tips to Help Prevent Falls from Heights in the Workplace
In the construction industry, falls from heights are the second-leading cause of injury and death in the workplace. Falls from the roof’s edge, lifts, ladders, and scaffolding can cause serious injuries even when the height is perceived to not be dangerous.
Did You Know?
In 2020, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there were 351 fatal falls out of 1,008 construction fatalities.
As a business owner, you’ll need to ensure the welfare of your workers and have the right equipment and follow the safety procedures for each task. In this article, we provide 10 tips to help prevent falls from heights.
10 Tips to Help Prevent Falls from Heights in the Workplace.
- Assess your work environment and Plan ahead.
It is important to assess your workplace to understand more about what your potential danger is and to make sure that your workers can safely move while working. Plan preventive measures and determine what tasks would be involved, and make sure you have the proper equipment in place to complete these tasks.
- Provide Proper Equipment Provide the right equipment and make sure that all equipment is stable, strong, and suitable enough to get the job done.
- Use Ladders Properly.
Ladder Safety: Train your workers on proper ladder usage
- Maintain three points of contact
- Place the ladder on level footing
- Always face the ladder
- Secure the ladder by locking the metal braces at the center of the ladder
- Don’t overreach
- Don’t walk the ladder
- Add guard rails when possible
- Use Scaffolding Correctly
Scaffold Safety: Train your workers on how to safely set up and use scaffolds
- Get properly trained before using a scaffold.
- Make sure scaffolding footings are on stable on the ground
- Ensure that all wheels and castors are locked
- Don’t overload the scaffold
- Don’t climb over cross braces
- Don’t use boxes or ladder to increase your work height
- Roof Safety:Employees must be trained to avoid fall hazards on a roof and properly use fall protection equipment-this includes safety measures like:
- Make sure your harness fits and is not defective when using PFAS
- Always stay connected/tie off
- Ensure that all anchor points are safe
- Protect all holes, openings, and skylights
- Don’t sit or walk on skylights or other openings
- Choose the Right Anchor Points
Choosing anchor points is important so keep that as part of the tip, but the anchor points are a part of the system of tie-offs (you tie off to an anchor). Here is the OSHA rule:
According to OSHA regulations, workers 6. ft or more off the ground must be tied off to a fall arrest system if there are no guardrails or safety net systems in place. Having a fall arrest system prevents fall-related fatalities and injuries, Falls on average kill between 150 to 200 people every year.
7. Inspect scaffolding materials. Ensure all parts are in good condition.
8.Make Preparation for Emergency Rescues and Evacuation.
9. Enforce All Safety Rules.
10. Provide Proper Training.
Call Klinger Insurance Group today at 301-428-4935 and we will help you insure the welfare of your employees and the foundation of your business. Email us at info@klingerinsurancegroup.com and visit us at www.klinger insurance group.com.
Sources: OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign
OSHA- Construction Industry Training
OSHA Fall Protection in Construction
