Tag Archives: Fall Safety

5 Most Common Causes of Accidents When Working at Heights

By Juhlian Pimping from SafetyCulture

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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.

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.

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.

All About Height Safety Systems And Aluminum Roofs Guards

All About Height Safety Systems And Aluminum Roofs Guards 

Industrial accidents are one of the leading causes of fatal injuries and deaths. Falls from ladders and roofs are pretty common. To avoid such dangerous occurrences at your worksite, you may consider the use of height safety systems. Working at heights has its own set of hazards and difficulties. Common causes of falls are roof edges, slippery and damp surfaces, fall prone or fall risk surfaces. Roof has to be safety compliant under any circumstance. If you do not ensure this, you can land in trouble. There are hundreds of companies offering height safety systems to make working at greater heights, a safe and secured task. There is no chance of injury due to fall, if you tighten the safety system at your worksite. Fall protection systems or components may be constituted of aluminum material, due to the range of benefits it offers. Simply providing the employees their monthly salary will not do. As an employer, you must take necessary steps to save them from any type of accident or injury. This is important from the point of workers’ safety and from the point of your business reputation as well. Worker’s law of your state is really strict and if any worker is injured while working, your business place may be shut down or you may have to give hefty amount as compensation. To avoid such circumstances, it is better to choose suitable height safety system. Workplace must be safe for working to ensure the well-being, health and safety of employees.

Height Safety Systems made of Aluminum 

Aluminum is the best material for height safety systems. If you are confused what material to consider for fall devices, you cannot go wrong with aluminum. Items used in the site must be lightweight, rust resistant, durable and must require low maintenance. It is only aluminum which solves the whole purpose. It can bear any kind of weather condition, whatsoever. Even if the condition is wet, the items will not rust or corrode. The material is flexible and may be customized easily. Steel material is extremely strong and is difficult to customize much, unlike aluminum which is lightweight and flexible. Wood, on the other hand, can expand, chip and warp when the conditions are wet. So, Using Fall Protection and Height Safety System of Aluminum can Render the Following Benefits:

  • You can easily customize fall safety system to suit the roof specification and layout
  • You can get the entire range of roof protection system in aluminum material
  • Aluminum material is so flexible that you may create walkways out of them and make several roof safety zones as well
  • You can make changes to the items of aluminum to suit the roof layout

High Grade Height Safety Systems 

Roof safety systems of aluminum material can be used together to enhance the safety level. You may use aluminum walkways, guardrails or the access ladders as well.

Some of the Items that form the part of Height Safety Systems are as the following:

  • Roof walkways provide safe access to the roof. You may make wonderful walkway areas, free of hazards and trips. Aluminum walkway may be used on the roof to protect skylights and roof
  • To reduce the number of falls, use aluminum guardrails on your site. They may be installed around the roofs, fire escape areas, stairways and access hatch
  • to provide access to the roof mounted tools and equipment, one needs to use static lines
  • roof access ladder can be used to access any area situated at a greater height

To access roof edges or the fall risk areas, you must consider the installation of roof anchor points. All the items relating to height safety systems can last for decades if you consider aluminum material. Look for permanent height safety and fall protection solutions. The fall guard system must comply with Australian standards.

SAFETY IN GRAIN HANDLING FACILITIES

Both employers and employees must know all the precautions to protect themselves against potentially hazardous conditions in grain handling facilities.  Grain handling facilities are those such as grain elevators, feed mills, flour and rice mills, dry corn mills, dust palletizing plants, soybean flaking operations, and the dry grinding operations of soycake.  Many safety and health hazards are associated with grain handling operations.  Suffocation and falls are the two leading causes of death at grain handling facilities.  Other risk factors are potential flash fires and explosions as a result of excessive amounts of airborne grain dust, and electrocutions and injuries from improperly guarded machinery.  OSHA issued the grain handling facilities standard (29CFR 1910.272) to reduce injuries and deaths in the grain handling industry.  This standard requires workers to be trained in the identification and control of grain handling hazards.  Health and respiratory hazards are also presented by exposures to grain dust and airborne contaminants. 

The most important facet of preventing health issues and injury risks in all industrial activities is proper training.  Prior to new employees starting work, when changes occur in assignments, or if employees are exposed to new or unfamiliar hazards – the proper training must be applied.  Also, when workers are assigned to infrequent, special, or suspected hazardous tasks (such as bin entry or handling toxic or flammable substances), they must have been trained correctly.  Specific procedures included are performing housekeeping, hot work, lockout/tagout, and preventative maintenance.  Grain handling facilities are required to implement a hot work permit system.  This type of work includes electric or gas welding, cutting, grinding, brazing, or any similar activity that produces a flame or spark.  The permit guarantees that the employer and operating personnel are aware that hot work is being performed and that accurate safety precautions have been taken.

 We have talked about confined spaces in previous articles.  In grain handling, there will be a necessity to enter silos, bins, and tanks.  As mentioned before, atmospheric testing in confined spaces is mandatory.  These tests must be conducted before entry (by experts) and continued until work is finished.  Ventilation, supplemented by the use of appropriate air supplied respirators, shall be provided when: oxygen levels are less than 19.5%. 

At home or work, it seems that housekeeping is extremely vital, especially so in industrial settings.  OSHA standard allows “a maximum accumulation of no more than 1/8 inch of dust in priority housekeeping areas of grain elevators.”  When this amount of grain dust accumulates, steps must be taken immediately for its removal.  All lockout-tagout procedures required by 29 CFR 1910.147 and OSHA standard should be observed when entering grain elevators or silos for maintenance.  If a person enters a bin, silo, or tank from the top, they must wear a full parachute-type body harness with a lifeline.  This holds the body vertical and in case of an accident, makes easier removal of the victim through small access hatches.  A well-trained and properly equipped attendant is required to maintain communication with the personnel in the confined area during the whole time, and to provide help when needed. 

Workers in grain handling face serious dangers of suffocation, entanglement, falling, fires, explosions, electrocutions, and injuries from improperly guarded machinery.  These dangers will be eliminated if employers implement a safe grain handling program, train their employees on the safe handling of grain, and both employer and workers carefully follow the procedures to ensure the safe handling of grain.  

As we reported earlier, in an article about the Top Ten OSHA violations and penalties assessed for 2010, Violation of (29 CFR 1910.272) Grain Handling Facilities came in at #9 on the most penalties assessed list.   At least 25 U.S. workers were killed in grain entrapments last year, and there were more grain entrapments in 2010 than in any other year since researchers at Purdue University began collecting data on the subject in 1978.  The following is a list of violations that received citations, many of them classified as serious, in 2010:

  • Failure to train in safety precautions and bin entry procedures;
  • No observer during bin entry;
  • No rescue equipment;
  • Not testing atmosphere in the space to be entered;
  • Failure to have deflagration controls for combustible dust;
  • Walk working surfaces without guarding in place;
  • Failure to safeguard employees from electrical hazards such as broken electrical conduits;
  • Lack of signage and hazard communication procedures;
  • Failure to evaluate work spaces for confined space entry permits;
  • No confined space entry program;
  • Non-entry retrieval system;
  • Lack of personal protective equipment;
  • Lack of electrical training;
  • Lack of combustible dust controls;
  • Failure to train employees in combustible grain dust hazards. 

All workers should have the assurance that these things are not going to happen to them; that their company would purposely do everything possible to guarantee a safe return home after their shift every day.  Let’s hope that 2011 will result in fewer violations and safer, well-informed and properly trained employees.

Source: OSHA, Texas Dept. of Insurance (TDI)

MORE ABOUT SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS!

Because slips, trips, and falls are a major source of both home and industrial injuries, there are a few more things we need to present to you today.  Whose fault is it when someone falls?  There is certainly no room anywhere – at home, school, or work – where an intentional prank causes someone to fall.  You know, the old “pull the chair out from behind someone,” trick, where the one sitting winds up on the floor.  As we get older, we realize that a fall can have lasting health effects on people. 

Do you think that people get hurt because they just don’t respect safety regulations and procedures?  Normally this isn’t the case, according to studies.  It is usually a brief moment of inattention that ends in disaster, not a person’s indifference to safety procedures.  If you think about it, inattention can be identified as the root cause of injury in most every category of accident analysis (traffic mishaps, power tool injuries, aggression incidents, etc.).  In regard to slips, trips, and falls, inattention can lead to regrettable events ranging from a simple bruised shin to extremely serious consequences such as concussions, or even death.  Have you heard someone say, “I guess I just wasn’t thinking,” during an accident investigation?  Sometimes we are too wrapped up in a conversation, or thinking about the next job, or a personal problem or activity, that we forget to pay attention to the hazards around us.  From the State Office of Risk Management, Texas, here is an “Inattention Test” that might help:  Do you:

  1. Get bored easily?
  2. Lose track of conversations (having to ask, “What were you saying?” (Yes, I do!)
  3. Suddenly return to reality (after driving past your exit on the freeway)?
  4. Know your job so well you could   “…..do it with your eyes closed?”
  5. Daydream?

These examples and others show potential for inattention.  A person’s state of mind is his/her own personal property, and, of course, cannot be controlled by a boss or the workplace.  As a result, the supervisor must frequently emphasize to the workforce the consequences a loss of focus could cause.  Stay alert and don’t lose sight of what you are doing.  If you get in a hurry because you lost your train of thought, you might start walking too fast, or running, and lose your balance.  Distraction, not watching where you are going, carrying materials that obstruct vision and speed are common elements in many on-the-job injuries.  So, plan, stay alert, and pay attention!  Employees should report any slips, trips, or fall hazards that they identify at work.  Posters displaying fall warnings also should be placed in areas that are frequented.  Training is one of the most important keys to preventing falls at work.  No horseplay should be allowed.  It’s o.k. to have a little fun, but not at the expense of a personal injury and lost time at work. 

Last, but not least, at work or home, the lighting should be good.  Be sure you are aware of the location of light switches, and have a flashlight handy, too.  Proper lighting ensures that employees using stairways or elevators can be safe.  In homes with staircases, you certainly want adequate lighting.  Another tip for home or work: never use a chair as a ladder!  That’s an accident just waiting to happen.  If you go outside, be sure you have shoes that are safe to walk on wet sidewalks or slippery areas.  Older citizens usually pay a higher price after experiencing a fall, such as a broken hip, so any time you see someone who seems to be a little unsteady, offer them your strong arm.  As we said yesterday, do your best to stay upright, and avoid those messy slips, trips, and falls!

THEME FOR NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH – JUNE 19 – 25: PREVENTING SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

Slips, trips, and falls represent the most common cause of workplace injuries, behind  motor vehicle accidents.  Slips, trips, and falls can result in head, back, and neck injuries, as well as broken bones, cuts and bruises.  According to the National Safety Councils’ 2008 injury facts, the average workers’ comp costs for slips, trips, and falls, was $21,500.  So we’re not talking about minor incidents. 

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety reports that 60% of falls happen at the same floor level.  The other 40% are falls from heights.  Even the slightest change in elevation surface (1/4” to ½”) can cause a trip or fall.  Caution signs should be placed in obvious areas to avert falls.  Those who work at heights should wear some form of personal fall arrest system – harness, lanyards, tie-off slings, etc. – one that fits the particular job best.  Falls from ladders, roofs, stairs, or jumping to a lower level causes many injuries.  Each of these risks demand different considerations in a fall arrest program.   Many homes have areas with lower-level family rooms, which are hazardous for visitors.  Homeowners should warn them to “watch their step” while visiting.  

Good housekeeping in a business is vital.  If these practices are not enforced, other administrative control measures implemented will never be fully effective.  Safety and housekeeping go hand in hand.  This is extremely true, especially when addressing the serious issue of slips, trips and falls.  If the facility’s housekeeping habits are poor, the result may well be employee injuries, rising insurance costs, and regulatory citations.  If the facilities are noticeably clean and well organized, it is a good sign that its overall safety program is effective as well.  Disorderly work environments can negatively impact the morale of employees who must function in a job site that is dirty, hazardous, and poorly managed.  Because slips, trips, and falls occur more than any other occupational injury, it makes good sense for the company to ensure that employees comply with a good housekeeping program.  This is a plan that should be part of each worker’s daily performance.  If each individual does his/her part to keep work areas clean, the housekeeping program will be a success.  The same rule applies to our homes.  If we don’t place things in their right place, someone is going to come along and trip over something that shouldn’t have been there.  Nightlights are good for preventing falls (or running into a wall) for overnight visitors who could get lost in the darkness in your home. 

Most falls can be prevented.  All we should do is follow this simple rule: watch where we are going!  We take walking for granted, so we pay little attention to potential hazards.  Here are some common fall hazards cited by the National Safety Council that we should watch for:

  • Hidden steps;
  • Wet spots;
  • Smooth surfaces;
  • Loose, irregular surfaces;
  • Oil and grease.
  • Obstacles in walkways;
  • Electrical cords in walkways;
  • Aisles that have boxes stacked and left in the way;
  • File cabinet drawers left open;
  • Tools left out. 

Many workers are required to wear protective footwear on the job.  Shoes that have slip-resistant soles help prevent  injuries.  Safety footwear is designed to protect feet against the most common types of injuries, impact, compression and puncture.  It is important to choose footwear according to the hazards present, but also be sure it is comfortable enough to wear for several hours.  

Tomorrow we will delve into this serious subject a little bit more.  Until then, stay safe, and remain upright!

 

SOURCES: CCOHS, SORM (Sstate Office of Risk Management, Texas), OSHA

National Safety Month Week 2 – Fall Prevention

Falls happen as a result of tripping, slipping, or falling from elevated places such as ladders, stepladders, roofs, trees, or many other hazardous places.  Both at home and the workplace, good housekeeping is a necessity to prevent such occurrences.  Carpets or floors should be in good condition, and the environment should be clutter-free.

When going to a shopping mall or hospital, many times we see the floors being mopped.  There are signs warning us of a wet floor; however, it’s so easy to just walk on through, disregarding the chance of taking a fall.  We need to be aware at all times just how simple it is to take a fall by merely not paying attention to our surroundings.

Falls are the most common cause of fatal injuries to construction workers.  All workers should take the time to ensure that their working conditions are as safe as possible.

Please take heed to these fall-prevention ideas:

  • Never stand on a chair on furniture to reach high places; use a stepladder or ladder.
  • When you are going up or down stairs, hold on to the rail.
  • If it is required for your job, wear personal fall protection.
  • Do not carry a load you can’t see over.
  • Walk, don’t run, and watch where you are going.
  • Wear non-skid, waterproof shoes if you work in an area where there are spills.
  • Be sure the work area has adequate lighting.
  • Ensure that your work area has enough working space to avoid collisions.
  • Avoid blind corners in workspaces.

Here is some information on ladders:

  • The ladder you choose for use should be in good condition.
  • Hold on while climbing the ladder.
  • While working, keep one hand on the ladder.
  • Be sure it is set up on a firm and level surface.
  • Construction ladders have duty ratings:

Type I supports up to 250 lbs.
Type IA supports up to 300 lbs.
Type IAA supports up to 375 lbs.

Be aware that the consequences of a fall can be very serious.  At home, work, or play, take the time to avoid injury.

Prevent Falling Accidents

In the United States Construction industry, falls are the leading cause of worker fatalities. An average of between 150-200 workers each year are killed and more than 100,000 injuries are the result of falls at construction sites. Accidental falls are complex events resulting from either equipment-related or human issues. Therefore, the standards for falling protection deal with preventing fall hazards, and providing proper safety equipment.

Fall protection systems should be carefully designed for appropriate work situations. Proper installation of safety systems, safe work procedures, training and supervision are necessary to ensure workers’ security. Lastly, use some common sense when working off the ground. It’s always better to have too much protection than not enough.

Listed below is a short glossary of fall prevention equipment that can be furnished for safe endeavors:

¨ Anchorage – Secure point of attachment for lanyards, lifelines or deceleration devices.

¨ Body Harness – Straps secured about the person that distribute fall-arrest forces over thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders, which is attached to other parts of fall-arrest system.

¨ Deceleration Device – Any mechanism: rope, grab, forms of lanyards, auto retracting lanyards that dissipate a substantial amount of energy during fall arrest.

¨ Lanyard – Flexible line of rope or strap that has connectors to a deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage.