Category Archives: Fall Safety

Fall Safety

Ensuring the Safety Of Employees Who Work At Heights

Image source: Unsplash.com

Nobody needs reminders that working at great heights can be dangerous. Construction is one area where height is a near-omnipresent danger. Lots of things can go wrong when you’re working with a lot of equipment and machinery. Keeping your employees safe is an absolutely crucial aspect of working on a construction site. To prevent them from falling and injuring themselves, you need to take some special precautions.

  • Make use of railings

Passive protection is the best way to keep your workers safe when they’re working at great heights. Your workers will often tread on walkways and areas that are unprotected and pretty high up. Relying on them to protect themselves when they’re in a rush might not be feasible. Railings take that element of choice away from them. Unless they purposely decide to jump the fence, there’s no way that they are going to fall over the railing.

You can find a railing for every style of rooftop. If the roof has a low slope, you can make use of non-penetrating railing. There are prefabricated railing options that can be affixed permanently or temporarily, which makes them pretty versatile for construction sites.

There are other benefits that come with using sturdy railings. They can be used as a point of stability when the worker is carrying a load in one hand. Many of them make it very difficult to climb outside the protective area, which will provide additional protection from employee negligence.

  • Select proper active protection systems

Personal fall arrest systems can be a great tool to protect from injuries on the worksite. Even when something goes catastrophically wrong, they will make sure that the worker remains unscathed. When you opt for fall arrest systems, make sure you’re getting quality safety technology. A full body harness might perform similarly in a controlled environment, but you should consider other variables. Does it have proper heat and arc protection? How comfortable is the suit for workers in any environment? These are all factors you have to take into account before making your decision.

The fall arrest system has to have all the amenities you need to protect from work accidents. If it meets ANSI standards, it should have every functionality available. Extra D-rings have to be available on the equipment. Remember to select your lanyards properly. Workers should be able to fit snuggly into their harness and adjusting them should be a breeze. Convenience of use is extremely important when you’re talking about safety measures.

  • Understand fall distance

All the active fall protection equipment in the world won’t save you from a miscalculation of distance. If it doesn’t engage by the time an employee hits the ground, it’s going to be completely useless. It might seem like common sense, but a lot of employers don’t take into account the math that goes into lanyard length and fall protection.

For example, if you have an employee working six meters off the ground while wearing a three-meter lanyard with a decelerator, that seems like it should be enough to prevent any kind of fall injury. Unfortunately, the math in question isn’t that simple. First of all, you need to take into consideration the time it takes for the deceleration device to activate. By the time it’s functional, your employee has traversed some distance. This is usually in the range of a meter or so. When you take into account the height of the worker and any sag in the harness. With these additional numbers, the length of the lanyard seems a bit too short for complete safety.

  • Use lifts properly

Lift operators have an enormous responsibility to keep employees safe during the lifting process. Employees need to keep their harness properly tied-off. This means that they need to be secured to the engineered anchor point of the lift in order to prevent any mishaps. Not only does it keep them safe from falling over, but it also prevents them from wrapping their lanyard around the rails

Lift protection extends to safety measures that need to be taken while on the lift. Proper training of employees during lift usage is crucial for preventing injury in the event of machinery failure. Many experts like Sydney Rescue Consultants urge construction managers to train their workers to comply with safety measures when operating lifts.

  • Create an acceptable anchor point

If you visited an average construction site right now, you might be appalled to see the things workers use as anchor points for their harnesses. Not everything is strong enough to take that kind of weight. Many are under the misconception that something that can hold a human body is adequate for use as an anchor point. Unfortunately, this is not true. There are more factors at play in the physics of a fall. You have to take into account the inertia from a moving body, which will create additional tension on the harness and anchor.

A lot of workers will just strap the harness to just about anything in sight. A PVC pipe is completely unacceptable for fall protection systems. Not even steel is safe from accidents. If the steel beam is decorative, it won’t hold the weight of an employee when they fall. Teaching your employees how to anchor their harness is extremely important because without a proper anchor you don’t have any protection whatsoever.

Conclusion

When you work at a great height, you only need one mistake for tragedy to occur. This is why many regulatory agencies make sure to stress the importance of proper fall protection. Without it, you could be looking at hundreds of injuries per year. Fatalities aren’t uncommon on construction sites that don’t follow the safety measures by the book. If you make sure your employees follow the rules set by regulatory agencies, your construction site will be all that much safer from any potential fall injuries.

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

3 Grain-Handling Hazards & How to Prevent Against Them

Written by Ellie Batchiyska

The agricultural industry is one of the most hazardous in the United States. Most people are not as familiar with its hazards as they are with the construction industry’s, making them often overlooked. This contributes to further danger, however.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fatality rate for workers in the agricultural industry is seven times that of other private industry workers. Even workers who are injured often face permanent impairment, making it extra important to know the primary hazards associated with this kind of work.

Grain-handlers are particularly impacted by agricultural hazards. These are workers in facilities that process, ship, and handle corn, wheat, oats, barley, and other similar commodities.

There are three main hazards grain-handlers face, but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration fortunately offers sustainable solutions to prevent against them.

Engulfment & Suffocation in Grain Bins

Although not dangerous unto themselves, grain bins can be a risky environment. This is where grains are stored in large volumes, and unfortunately, where a vast number of deaths occur. Workers that maintain grain bins can become suddenly buried or trapped by grain while on the job. As a result, they can suffocate.

There are four causes of sudden grain engulfment.

  • Standing on flowing grain. Flowing grain turns into quicksand. This is most common when the auger is operating. The auger drains grain from the bin, causing a steady flow until the bin is emptied. If a worker is standing on flowing grain, they will sink into it, and the constant movement will make it impossible to get out. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that a 6-foot tall worker can become enveloped by grain in 11 seconds, and escape becomes impossible after 5 seconds. Workers should never enter grain bins while the auger is in operation.
  • Standing on or below bridging. Bridging refers to moist or moldy clumps of grain that stick together to form a “bridge”, therefore resulting in an empty space underneath them. If a worker steps on one of these, it will break and the walls of grain beside the bridge will begin to cave in.
  • Trying to loosen a pile of grain. Never overestimate a wall of grain’s sturdiness. Trying to loosen or un-clump it will cause a domino effect, and the rest of the grain will begin to avalanche. Clumped grain should be loosened from the outside of the grain bin, by knocking against it with a pole or stick through an access cover.
  • Dangerous atmospheric conditions. Sometimes, oxygen levels in a grain bin can be low, or hazardous gases may be present. The air quality and oxygen levels should be evaluated before any workers enter, or they could suffocate.

Most of these can be prevented by making workers aware of the preventative measures. Workers should avoid walking on grain, always wear a body harness, and have an observer/partner present at all times.

Combustible Dust Explosions

In the last 35 years, there have been more than 500 grain dust explosions in grain handling facilities. These have taken the lives of more than 180 people, and injured approximately 675. Grain dust can easily combust if it becomes airborne or accumulates on a surface. Ignition sources, such as overheated motors, misaligned conveyor belts, and welding surfaces, can serve as sources of danger.

If the accumulation of grain dust occurs in an enclosed space, the pressure will rise, causing an explosion. Usually, there is an initial explosion, which dislodges the dust into the air. If ignited, this dispersed dust will cause a secondary (and far more deadly) explosion.

To prevent this, there should be consistent monitoring and assessment of potential ignition sources and enclosed spaces. Cracks and corners should always be investigated for grain dust particles.

Falls from Heights

Much like in construction, this is a major factor to consider, and one that is continuously overlooked. Grain-handling employees can experience falsl from heights much like any other workers in manual labor: from machinery, unguarded/unlabeled floor openings, platforms, etc.

However, the exterior ladders on grain bins also pose a risk. These ladders are usually used to gain entry to the grain bin. As workers move from the ladder to the roof of the grain bin or grain entrance, one minor misstep can endanger their life.

For this reason, a body harness should always be worn when accessing a grain bin, as previously mentioned. Someone on the ground should also be supervising at all times, and be available to direct the worker into the entrance or onto the roof in case visibility is hindered for any reason.

Other Hazards

Amputations can also occur in grain-handling facilities, though less common. Grain bins contain mechanical equipment, covers, augers, and other fixtures that workers can easily get caught in. Spoiling grains can also release hazardous gases, and pesticides or other fumigants can cause poisoning.

Grain-handlers should not underestimate the dangers of working amongst large volumes of grain. The casualness associated with this profession often makes its employees even more vulnerable to hazards. Frequent housekeeping and assessment of grain bins is essential to the safety of workers in this industry, so managers should ensure this work is well-distributed.

 

Ellie Batchiyska is a writer for Advance Online, the first web-based training provider to be accepted by the OSHA Outreach Program for DOL OSHA completion cards.

 

Fall Safety

Ensuring Tree Care & Landscape Worker Safety

Tree care and landscaping workers are especially vulnerable to the Fatal Four, also known as construction’s four deadliest hazards. There are five main safety considerations they have to take into account, consisting of:
⦁ Drop Zone Safety: Determining where large tree limbs can fall without risk to other workers.
⦁ Aerial Lift & Climbing Safety: Ensuring aerial lifts, scaffolding, and ladders are secure and durable, as well as situated well away from power lines.
⦁ Chipper Safety: Using wood chippers efficiently so as to avoid being struck by materials thrown from the machine, or getting body parts caught in the feed.
⦁ Traffic Control Safety: Effectively setting up a traffic barrier to redirect vehicles on the road and inform them of work up ahead.

There are various ways landscape and tree care workers can address these safety standards and ensure they are put into place.

Drop Zone Safety

Trimming trees leads to falling tree branches and limbs. Even smaller branches have the ability of seriously injuring workers on the ground at the high speeds they fall. For this reason, establishing a “drop zone” essential. This refers to an area designated for falling tree limbs, which other workers should not cross into.

It can be difficult to establish an accurate drop zone radius, since different sized tree limbs fall at different angles. For this reason, OSHA recommends establishing a work area equivalent to two tree lengths of the tree being trimmed or felled.

Drop zones should be appropriately demarcated. This is done with cones, caution barrier tape, and reflectors if the work is being done in low-visibility weather. Additionally, all workers on the site should be equipped with hard hats and eye protection.

Most importantly, however, is that workers establish an effective communication system amongst themselves. Tree cutters should issue verbal cues to notify ground workers of an upcoming drop. These verbal cues can include “stand clear” or “incoming”. In turn, the tree cutter should wait to receive an affirmative cue from the ground workers below, notifying them that they’re all clear.

Aerial Lift & Climbing Safety

Falls are the deadliest work site hazard. In 2017, they accounted for 39.2% of all construction deaths. That’s why it’s important for scaffolding, ladders, and aerial lifts to be secure prior to use. Aerial lift buckets should be carefully inspected and tested, as tip overs can otherwise occur.

Similarly, ladders and scaffolding should be inspected. Scaffolds should have stable planks, guard rails, and durable cross bracing. Meanwhile, ladders should be kept dry, positioned at a reliable angle, and supported/supervised by a worker at the bottom.

Workers that are aloft should also be equipped with body harnesses at all times, so that they remain attached to the aerial lift bucket and will be aided even in the event of a slip. They should also not reach too far past the edge of the bucket, but rather ask the aerial lift operator to readjust their positioning.

Aerial lifts and climbing devices also pose electrocution risks. They should always be kept away from power lines, particularly if they are made of metal or aluminum. There should be at least 10 feet between power lines and aerial equipment at all times.

Chipper Safety

With proper distance and equipment, placing wood and other organic material into a chipper is fairly safe. However, dangers can arise when workers are manually pushing material into the chipper or leaning too far toward it.

Workers should stand off to the side when inserting material into the wood chipper. Additionally, they should always wear tight-fitting clothing so as to avoid getting caught in the chipper. Hard hats and safety googles should also be worn, as chippers have the tendency to spit small fragments back out at high speeds.

Lastly, the end of the tree or branch that was cut should be fed first into the chipper. This will prevent jams and material kickback.

Traffic Control Safety

Most tree care and landscape workers work near roads and thoroughfares. To avoid being struck by moving vehicles, traffic zones should be established. Cones, barricades, and flaggers should be used to redirect vehicles away from the work site.

In areas of low-visibility, flaggers should always wear reflective vests. Pedestrians should also be reminded to keep a safe distance from falling tree branches. At night, lights should be used to increase the visibility of the work site. All of these precautions are just as important for the safety of workers as for the safety of motorists.

With the above four safety considerations in mind, tree care and landscape workers can significantly decrease the likelihood of injuries and fatalities on the work site. Not only are the solutions to these problems fairly simple, but they rely more on effective communication than anything else. Cooperation and collaboration are crucial to the success and safety of workers in this industry.

Ellie Batchiyska is a writer for Scaffold Store, a trusted scaffold supplier for home renovators and contractors.
Fall Safety

5 Most Common Causes of Accidents When Working at Heights

By Juhlian Pimping from SafetyCulture

Infographic link:

OSHA recently announced its preliminary top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety violations for fiscal year 2018. “Fall protection” once again topped the list with 7,270 violations along with “Scaffolding” which came in at #3 with 3,336 violations. Falls remain the leading contributor of deaths in the construction industry, representing close to 40% of total deaths in construction in CY2016.

Here are the 5 most common causes of accidents when working at heights and some tips on how to avoid them:

1. Fragile Roofs –
Refer to elevated surfaces that are at risk of falling when under the pressure of unexpected loads. All roof surfaces should be considered fragile until a competent person has examined it. Examples of fragile roofing material can include skylights, asbestos cement-roof sheeting and corrugated steel.

Workers who step or sit on fragile roof materials are at risk of falling or slipping from heights which can lead to tragedy. Also, falling material and equipment can pose critical safety risks to those working below.

To reduce these risks, a risk assessment should be conducted before working on roofs to identify fragile roof surfaces and materials. Appropriate access and support material should be used such as ladders, crawling boards and load-bearing supports. Workers should also wear appropriate footwear.

2. Unprotected Edges –

This refers to walking or working surfaces both horizontal and vertical with no fall protection. Examples of unprotected sides and edges include scaffolding, platforms, and towers without guardrails, toeboards, or fencing.

Working from surfaces with unprotected edges puts workers at risk of falling, suffering major injuries and in extreme cases, fatalities.

To mitigate such risks, OSHA requires each employee to be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems if they are walking or working on surfaces 6 feet or more above a lower level.

3. Falling Materials –
This refers to tiles, bricks, wood cuttings, tools and other materials common in a construction site which may come loose and fall on workers.

Even small items can cause considerable damage to people and structures if dropped from a height. Injuries range from bruises to fractures, and even fatalities. Damage to structures can also affect work schedules due to repair-work.

The following hazards should be actively identified and controlled in order to lower the risk of falling materials injuring workers:
  • Gaps in platform surfaces or between platforms
  • Unprotected edges
  • Improper transportation of materials, equipment, or tools from ground level to the working area
  • Improper transportation methods of getting materials down to ground level, e.g. throwing
  • Improper storage of materials, e.g. on scaffold edges or in unstable stacks
In addition, adequate warning should be provided to both workers and civilians entering the jobsite where the risk of falling materials cannot be completely eliminated. This can be done by posting a signage, wearing appropriate PPE/ head protection, verbally communicating the hazards, or providing civilian or guest routes to get around the jobsite.

4. Unstable Equipment –
Refers to access equipment such as scaffolding, towers, platforms, and ladders that aren’t stable enough to be considered safe.
Using unstable equipment puts workers at risk of losing their balance which can lead to falling and dropping materials.

Though there are inherent risks in using such equipment when working at heights, proper maintenance and use should be observed in order to reduce the risks to acceptable levels. Unstable equipment deemed unsafe by a competent person must not be used.

5. Weather Conditions –
This refers to adverse weather conditions that may affect work surfaces, workers, materials, and equipment. Here are some examples in which the weather can affect working at heights:

  • Rain or ice can cause workers to slip and fall
  • Strong winds can blow loose materials/ tools away, make access equipment unstable, and affect the balance of workers
  • Cold conditions may affect workers’ dexterity and increase the risk of injuries
  • Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause cancer, sunburn, and eye problems
OSHA requires employers to provide safety equipment to their workers in almost all cases free of charge, and workers are encouraged to wear PPE suitable for the weather condition they have to work in to minimize the risk of hazards.

Conclusion
Considering the high-level of risk when working at heights, employers and workers should first assess its necessity in relation to the work that needs to be done. Where it is unavoidable however, employers and workers need to be aware of the common causes of accidents when working at heights so they can take the necessary precautions to avoid them.

Performing regular safety inspections can help identify hazards when working at heights and prevent tragedies from occurring. Using safety checklists can help with performing inspections: here are seven working at heights safety checklist templates you can download and use. Using a mobile app like iAuditor can help you perform paperless inspections while onsite and streamline your reporting.
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

Different Applications of Rope Access Services

What Are the Different Applications of Rope Access Services?

Rope access is a form of rope-work designed to gain access to locations in a building that are otherwise difficult to reach. This technique is commonly used for construction, maintenance, inspection, surveying of industrial plants, wind turbines, towers and bridges. There are several benefits of using a professional service for this practice and some of them are:

  • Better flexibility compared to the conventional moving platforms
  • Affordable, safe and maneuverable
  • Ability to reach the different areas in a safe and secured manner
  • The work is accomplished without having to worry about the safety standards

Know More About the Use of Rope Access Services

With advancement in technology, there are several methods that have been incorporated into rope access services. In fact, it has emerged as the ultimate choice by regulatory bodies and most of them recommend three levels of training for using them and these are:

  • Level 1: This is where most of the individuals are trained about the applications of this technique and it is performed under the supervision of an expert.
  • Level 2: This is where the advance techniques are taught, enabling them to tackle difficult situations while using the rope.
  • Level 3: The final level is where the individuals achieve maximum supervisory skills and are capable of providing professional services that you are looking for.

When you are planning to hire a reliable company for rope access service, do make sure that the professionals are certified with at least level 3 expertise and can deliver efficient and safe operations.

Who Should Take Advantage of Rope Access Services?

This method is essential for several purposes. With the support of a well-defined rope system, workers are able to perform thorough inspection of bridges, turbines and other structures that are built at a higher elevation. Further, the method is essential for maintenance of similar structures too such as window replacements, painting, leak repairs, roof repairs and a lot more that demand reliable and safe support for desired results. Moreover, the rope access services are beneficial for installation of weather stations, antennas and transceivers too. So, if there is a project that requires access to tall heights then one must consider choosing a dependable company for professional services.

Choosing A Professional Rope Access Service Provider

For selecting a professional rope access service provider there are four tips that one should follow, and these are listed below:

  • Understand what your requirements are: The first and perhaps the most important step is to understand why exactly you need professional service and the height that should be accessed with the use of professional service. Make a note of every aspect, as the same would be beneficial in refining your search.
  • Focus on the equipment used: There is an array of equipment used for rope access services. They are not limited to body harness, sit harness, climbing helmet, safety back-up harness and the like, but include several high-end tools too. Do ensure that the company you choose is equipped with essential equipment for safe operation.
  • Previous projects handled: Learn more about the previous projects that are handled by the company. This will help you determine if they are a good pick for you or not. As if the professionals have excelled earlier in dealing with wind turbines or industrial buildings would be beneficial for you too.
  • Average cost of services: Consider the average cost of professional services, as the professional that you choose should be able to offer the services that you need within a budget. For this, you can even request for an estimate from the service provider as well.

These are some of the few factors that you must keep in mind before hiring a rope access service.

Fall Safety

Roof Fall Protection Systems For Complete Safety

                  Roof Fall Protection Systems For Complete Safety

It hardly matters to which industry you belong. It can be a construction field, telecommunication sector or wind turbine industry. You must have the best fall protection and fall arrest system or equipment. For construction workers, warehouse keepers and renovators, falls are major safety hazards. People who work at extreme greater heights, they are at more risk. Workers who are involved in constructing bridges, dams and erecting towers or buildings may fall at any moment if construction safety is not ensured. Death of the construction worker can land a company in serious trouble. This is why it is important to install proper Roof fall protection systems at your premise.

Roof fall protection systems are crucial aspects when working at greater heights. When choosing a fall protection system, make sure you choose something which provides hands-free operation. Your workers may move around the roof without having to use their hands. Their hands will be free and they don’t need to hold attachments. This way, they may carry out work at great heights, do the inspection and maintenance job with ease.

The Comprehensive Fall Protection System 

A comprehensive Roof fall protection system means arranging a range of fall protection units and getting them installed. Some of the worth considering items are horizontal lifelines, roof anchors and rail systems. Such products are available in the market and may be procured quite easily. Before buying from a company, carry out a background check on the company. Choose the company which offers you a bespoke solution tailored towards the needs of the clients. The fall protection solution must be as per your needs. There are a number of roof fall arrest systems.

The Horizontal Rail System is The Foremost Roof Fall Protection System

Install horizontal rail system to get a number of benefits with respect to fall arrest. It offers ultimate protection and is the solution to protection issues. Being unobtrusive in nature, it may also complement the appearance and look of the modern building. They won’t be any compromise on safety while the design of the building continues to look good. The rail system is convenient to use whereby the ones who access the roofs may stay attached to it. It safeguards from falls and injuries. They also may be easily integrated into the building design. Horizontal rail system offers hands-free operation. The fall protection system is flexible and might also be used during inspection or maintenance works. Your employees get suspended rope access.

The Horizontal Cable System Is Equally Worthy 

The benefits you get from Horizontal cable system are similar to that of the horizontal rail system. It also facilitates hands-free operation while the solution is flexible. Just like a horizontal rail system, the horizontal cable system is also unobtrusive and may blend with modern homes or older ones. It won’t affect the design of the house or building in any way. The horizontal cable system is an affordable fall protection system.

Conclusion 

Just to get lower prices you must not compromise on the safety of employees and workers. Look for the best company for roof fall protection system a complete range of fall arrest systems. Before you choose any consult with an expert. As an employer, you should find out the correct methods to access the roofs. Tasks must be performed at greater heights in a safe and secure manner. Safety precaution should be followed at all times and must be put in place. By doing so, you may prevent falls and accidents. Always remember, Roof fall protection system is not just beneficial for your employees but for you as well.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

Right Type Roof Height Safety – Preventing Accidents at Workplace

Right Type Roof Height Safety – Preventing Accidents at Workplace

Roofs play an essential role in enhancing the overall look of any house. It is a fact that working on roofs can be dangerous and many people have fallen off and suffered injuries in the process in order to avoid frequent mishaps, roof height safety must be given utmost importance.

Introduction of Roof Height Safety – Done for Convenience

Earlier, there was nothing like a height safety system. With the advent of technology, roof height safety has been introduced for the convenience of workers. The introduction of fall prevention systems has proved to be really convenient. However, people need to be trained to install the same on the roofs.

It takes a few minutes to get a job done but working on roofs asks for safety measures, unlike other construction works. Accidents cannot be prevented; however, certain inclusions can reduce the risk of accidents to a great extent.

Height Safety of Roofs – Great Concern!

Gaps and holes inside the roof enhance the risk of accidents. As numerous accidents occur at the time of working on roofs, roof height safety is a great concern. It will allow people to carry out their day-to-day roof construction work with utmost precision. In case of any type of height safety system, fall prevention is the first priority. This is the reason close analysis of the roof is duly carried out. Installation of a guard rail is mandatory to ensure a high level of safety to workers. It will also prevent objects from being kicked off the roof. As there are higher chances of materials falling off the roof, heavy precaution must be taken from day one.

Importance of Anchor Points – Used in Special Situations

Situations where guardrails are impractical, anchor points must be installed. It is preferable especially in case the roof has small inclinations. Workers equipped with a harness of appropriate length are less prone to fall off.  An ideal anchor point system purely functions on the principle of roof height safety at its best.

The anchor point is positioned in such a manner that the worker can easily prevent himself from any mishap. As they are unable to reach the edge of the roof, it is highly imperative for the lanyard to comprise of an appropriate length. It will prevent any unpredictable risk. More space will help you easily manage your task in the best possible manner.

Beware of Hazards!

You may expect to get the best equipment set along with highly innovative safety systems installed. But at the same time, your employees need to be trained to make the best use of all including roof height safety. With proper training, it will become easy to prevent all types of mishaps.

Inexperienced workers must be supervised by experienced personnel e. properly designed roof height safety serves to be the only barrier between a healthy work environment and serious accidents. It is highly imperative to install the best system with the guidance of a qualified team of Experts. People who desire to install height safety for roofs must do their research well. As this is a fairly new inclusion in the list of roof height safety systems, you might not find enough people who can guide you through. Also, there are several companies that guarantee high quality roof height safety systems; however, you cannot trust them blindly. You must consult those who have installed the height safety systems, seek their assistance and then invest in one. It is an expensive buy and thus you would not want to goof up on that front. To avoid frequent repairs, invest in a durable variety.

Fall Safety

Create a Safe Environment with Height Safety Installers

Create a Safe Environment with Height Safety Installers

 

With the ever rise in population, the problem of space crunch has become a crucial issue that engineers have dealt with by resorting to multiplestoreyed buildings. With the construction of high-storied buildings, safety concerns too were being questioned. Thus, a group of engineers came up with height safety installers to curb the safety concerns. The height safety installers are not only restricted to construction sites but also installed by other professionals involved in maintenance and repair of high rise buildings.

Where are these Installed?

These height safety installers are used in different arenas. The application is Varied. Roof access has been made easy by the use of these height safety systems. Roof access is required in large number of buildings for varied purposes. Very few people agree owing to high risk factor. They can prove beneficial in large factories where production is held on a large scale.

The cleaning of windows in high-rises may it be a mall, corporate building or also a hospital is a herculean task. The height safety installers can help to accomplish the task of cleaning the windows.

There are Various Equipments under this line which will help you Ensure Height Safety:

  1. Roof Anchor Points: These points help workers to ascend and descend. These systems are basically anchor points which help workers work without fear.
  2. Roof Access Hatches: These systems ease the process of climbing rooftops. Roof guardrails- These are installed to ensure the safety of inhabitants occupying the property. These guardrails can be customized to suit one’s need according to the premises that you live in or want to occupy in the future.
  3. Roof Walkway System: This system is installed for smooth access to all kinds of roofs. Be it a concrete roof or a roof of any other material, it is tough for the workers to work, risking their lives. The roof walkway system is a type of height safety installers which helps provide safety to workers.
  4. Roof Access Ladders: These ladders are factory made, tailor suited ladders made of fabricated metal which is generally installed to ease the process of approaching the roof top. These ladders are a safe option.
  5. Static Lines: These are basically a network of metal wires attached to anchors which are meant to provide support system to the roof and also ensures easy access across many elevated systems.
  6. Fall Arrest Harness: This is one of the simplest systems in the range of height safety installers. This is something very basic which almost every company opts for.

There are many other systems that help workers to function in high-rises. With multi-storied buildings occupying most of the space especially in the big cities, safety of workers working in these high-rises has become a concern. People employing workers are bound to ensure that they will be provided with the best of safety gears and a safe working condition.

Height safety installers have emerged as a blessing especially for the promoters and builders. These safety installers offer long term assistance also after the construction process is completed. The high rise needs proper maintenance, if left unattended for long, the property might face frequent wear and tear.

From cleaning, to water leakages and emergency situations, the high safety installers come in handy. In fact, most commercial buildings today house several thousand people and their safety is of prime concern. Thus owners of malls, hospitals or even residential complexes ensure that there is a team of professionals who are looking into its maintenance. All safety installers are made available to them.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

Frequent construction site accidents and how to avoid them

Frequent construction site accidents and how to avoid them

Working on a construction site can be an extremely dangerous job. In fact, several hundred people have lost their lives while working in or being on a construction site in 2016 alone in the United States.  The ‘Fatal Four’ are the top four leading causes of construction site injuries and deaths in America every year. These are:

  • Falling
  • Being stuck by an object
  • Electrocutions
  • Caught-in/between*

*This means that the worker was caught-in/compressed by objects or equipment. They were then struck, caught, or crushed in a collapsing structure, equipment, or material.  These accidents can lead to:

  • Scarring
  • Disfigurement
  • Back or Neck injuries
  • Spinal chord injury
  • Brain injury
  • Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Amputated limbs
  • Death

One thing is more shocking than the ‘Fatal Four’, and that is how many deaths are caused by them each year. In 2015, 364 workers died from falls, 90 from being struck by an object, 81 from electrocutions, and 67 from caught-in/betweens. Then numbers have only gotten worse just one year later. In 2016, 384 workers died from falls, 93 from being struck by an object, 82 from electrocutions, and 72 from caught-in/betweens.  The total number of ‘Fatal Four’ deaths each calendar year equals more than half of all construction worker deaths. Out of all occupations’ work-related deaths, construction deaths make up over 20 percent. That means one in five workplace deaths are from construction alone, which is also the highest of all the industries.

Causes of the ‘Fatal Four’  Falls: 

  • Misuse of ladders
  • Unguarded, protruding steel bars
  • Improper scaffold construction
  • Unprotected sides, wall openings, and/or floor holes

Being struck by an object: 

  • Masonry walls
  • Falling/flying objects
  • Vehicles

Electrocutions: 

  • Lack of ground-fault
  • Contact with power lines
  • Improper use of equipment and cords
  • Path to ground missing or discontinuous

Caught-in/betweens: 

  • unsafe spoil-pile placement
  • Unsafe access/egress
  • Failure to inspect trench and protective systems
  • No protective systems

How to prevent accidents for all of you construction workers  

Equipment:  ToolsCritic.com recommends that all hand tools and equipment non-machine-operated should be cleaned and properly stored away in a designated area after being used,. Before use, be it hand tool or machine, all equipment should be checked to make sure they are in proper working order. By taking a few extra minutes doing this, you’re eliminating the risk for faulty equipment and accidents that are caused by equipment laying around.

Following safety guides and training:  The safety guides and training all employers are required to give are designed and set in place by OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These are specifically for the health of every construction worker.

Staying alert:  With any job, it is necessary to pay attention to your work, but construction workers need to pay extra attention. Others may mess up a task, but construction workers could lose a lot more. By paying attention to your surroundings, watching for anything falling, making special note of any possible hazards, you’ll increase your chance of going home safe and sound.  Extra precautions:

Say what you see. If there are unsafe working conditions, don’t be afraid to tell your employer. It’s part of your job. Doing so can save your life or someone else’s.

Take a break. It’s easy to get exhausted, especially when working in construction. Eating, staying hydrated and allowing the body even a few minutes of rest can keep you and other construction workers to stay focused and more alert to what’s happening.

See and be seen. You won’t be the only one on site, usually. Wearing bright color clothing, as well as a neon vest, can keep you visible to others. This is important because accidents aren’t only a one person event. People can run into each other, be throwing things around the site, or a number of other factors that could trigger an accident. So make sure to make yourself easily seen and to see others.

Put up signs. It’s common to put up signs around the site for high-risk areas. Whether it is because of a high voltage area, an area where debris will fall, or another reason, putting up a sign can alert others and remind yourself to stay clear of the area or to be extra cautious. Remember to look for them as well, since others may have put up a sign.  Remember, if you have an accident or see someone else have one while on site, follow the appropriate steps to seek immediate medical attention for the worker. Accidents can and do happen, but the numbers can become a fraction of what they are now if these measures are taken.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

Workplace Safety & Workers Insurance Creates a Loyal Workforce

Workplace Safety & Workers Insurance Creates a Loyal Workforce

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 3 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2016. Of the most searched safety concerns in America, workplace safety is a major cause for concern for both American employers and employees.

Workplace accidents have a severe impact on workers, which could be both physical as well as psychological, leading to reduced productivity. Accidents at the workplaces, including near misses, is a clear indication of having some uncontrolled hazard that needs to be identified and removed before it can cause any further accidents and injuries.

Workplace accidents hurt not only to employees but also employers and the business. The reduced productivity results in lower staff morale, lost sales and even closure of the business, in the worst-case scenario.

Employees are a Business’ Biggest Asset

In 2016, 40% of the employers worldwide had difficulty filling positions, representing a 2% increase from 2015, according to a 2016-17 Talent Shortage survey conducted by Manpower Group. Lack of available applicants and hard skills were cited as major reasons for employers being unable to fill positions.

Needless to say, skilled employees are a company’s biggest asset, not just because they are rare to find but because these talents provide a competitive advantage to the business. Hiring and retaining the right talent is the single most effective way of achieving results and reaching growth goals for a company.

Why Workers Compensation Insurance is a Must

When employers show they care, employees are likely to feel more motivated and believe in the company’s goals. It is for this reason that businesses make sure to provide workers compensation coverage for their workers. Worker compensation insurance is also a state mandate program, the aim of which is to provide workers with much-needed protection.

In case the employee suffers a work-related injury or illness, the insurance covers lost wages and medical treatment, so that the worker can focus on getting well, rather than trying to get back to work quickly, even before they have recovered fully, to avoid missing out on wages, says an expert at Danskin Agency.

Although workers compensation covers for medical expenses for the initial and follow-up treatments, as well as physical and occupational rehab therapies, medication, etc., it is better to prevent workplace accidents in the first place.

3 Most Important Aspects of Workers Safety

1.      Ensure Fall Protection

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on occupational injuries and illnesses, falling from a height to a lower level was the reason for nearly 5% of all worker injuries and illnesses in 2013, accounting for 13% of all fatal work-related injuries.

To provide fall protection, employers need to first identify locations that are high risk areas and train employees on proper protective gear while working at a height.

2.      Identify Cause of Workplace Fatigue

At work, fatigue is a major safety issue. Occupational fatigue is often the result of heavy workload, long working hours, lack of sleep, as well as several environmental factors and medical conditions.

It is the employer’s responsibility to help employees combat fatigue by offering them breaks and scheduling their work during their most alert and active hours, while emphasizing upon the importance of sleep, as published by Safety and Health Magazine.

Providing workers compensation insurance is a great way to let workers feel cared for and know that their efforts are valued.

3.      Electrical Hazards

Inappropriate use of extension cords can become a major cause of workplace mishaps. Over time, their insulation wears down, being subjected to traffic abuse by feet or forklifts, which can create shock hazards.

Employers need to make sure that extension cords being used are new and heavy gauge and are placed at a maximum possible distance from human interaction.

When employees know that they are working in a safe environment, their satisfaction levels will increase, and absenteeism will drop. Establishing safety programs and offering workers compensation insurance will create a more contented workforce, which will ultimately help the business.