FP : Fall Protection & Prevention

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Chapter : Fall Protection.

Fall Protection & Prevention

Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents. They cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities. Management should implement fall protection and fall prevention programs to protect employees.

• Falls from evaluated locations account for the majority of deadly falls. Companies must identify fall hazards and implement effective fall prevention programs and fall protection systems to protect employees. The primary action is to eliminate fall hazards. Various safety surveys show that falls are one of the primary causes of occupational death. When an employee is working at a height of four feet or more, the employee is risking a fatal fall: fall protection and fall prevention programs are required. Fall protection must be provided at six feet in all industries. Fall protection is also required when an employee is working over dangerous equipment or machinery
• To start a fall protection program, you should first identify the fall hazards. Engineering controls and fall protection equipment are the primary means of eliminating injury and death from falls. Using work platforms, railings and toe boards are the engineering controls that provide permanent fall protection when working at heights
• Fall protection systems are equipment and devices that arrest a free fall or that restrain an employee so that it prevents a fall from occurring.
• 
  Full-body fall protection harnesses wrap around the waist, shoulders and legs. A D-ring located in the center of the back provides a connecting point for lanyards or other fall arrest connection devices.
• 3 factors determine the arresting force from a fall: lanyard material type, free fall distance and the weight of the worker. The use of a shock-absorbing lanyard or a higher tie-off point will reduce the impact force from a fall.

The following items represent the bulk of the exposure to falls on a construction site.

Ladders:

• Always use the right ladder.
• Set them on level ground and tie them off at the top (for security).
• Do not over reach.
• Do not over extend yourself on the ladder.
• Always face the ladder and try to use both hands when climbing.

Floor Openings:

• Floor openings should be properly covered.
• Covers must be able to support walls the same as the floor.
• Covers should be firmly attached to the floor/walking/working surface.
• Covers should be marked as such. For example: “Cover,” or “Do Not Remove Floor Opening Cover.”
• Consider wall openings and uncompleted stairways as openings with suitable protection provided.

Stairways:

• Use handrails.
• Watch where you step.
• Keep your view clear.
• Concentrate on the stairs.
• Do not run up or down the stairs.
• Keep stair well clean.

Housekeeping:

• Always try to provide good footing.
• Keep tools, trash, scrap materials out of walkways.
• Clean as you go.
• Always be wary of oil, ice or snow.

Point to remember

• Wear appropriate footwear (including auxiliary footwear like corkers) when necessary.Paying attention to things around you like ladders, floor openings, stairways and good housekeeping will help prevent a fall.

Fall Protection

Falls from height as one of the leading causes of traumatic occupational death.

• Construction safety standards require that anytime you are more than 6 feet above the ground, fall protection is required. 
• General industry standards dictate fall protection measures at four feet.

Hazards to watch for:

• Leading edge work—roofs, bridges, etc.
• Roof holes and manholes
• Ramps and runways
• Steel erection
• Articulating lifts
• Bore pits and shafts
• Work over open tanks

Issues to consider:

• Do pre - task planning to prevent falls.
• Use compatible fall arrest equipment.
• Ensure sturdy construction and anchor points.
• Think about rescue operations and tolerable suspension times for personal fall arrest systems.
• Body belts may only be used as positioning devices— not as part of a personal fall arrest system.
• Appropriate footwear is critical during roof demolition. A nail or shingle-removal tool injury can cause a worker to lose concentration and fall.
• Workers shouldn’t step on air hoses and power cords for nail guns. Doing so can lead to a falls.

Some options for fall protection:

• Covers
• Guardrail systems
• Personal fall arrest systems
• Positioning devices
• Warning lines
• Controlled access zone
• Safety net systems

Safe procedures:

• When using a cover, be sure it’s secure and labeled. Paint the word “hole” on the cover.
• Use fall protection when installing guardrails. Guardrails must meet OSHA criteria.
• Personal fall arrest systems must be properly selected, maintained, inspected and utilized. Do not mix components from different models.
• Warning lines must be erected around all open sides of the work area and should be at least 6 feet back from the edge. Clearly mark the lines with high visibility flags.
• Use controlled access zones only when no other form of fall protection is feasible. Have a job-specific fall protection plan explaining the requirements when using a controlled access zone.

Point to be noted:

Don’t gamble with fall protection. Understand your needs, select the right system, be trained on use, inspect components frequently and communicate with others.