Many of you may be aware that OSHA is responsible for determining what is safe for work environments and then conducting education and outreach. The regulations established by OSHA have helped to ensure employees have an evacuation plan in the event of a fire and a safety plan when bad weather strikes. Did you know that falls are a consistent hazard in all environments? The highest number of fatal falls happened at construction sites and non-fatal falls happened in health related, retail and wholesale industries.
Per OSHA Fall Protection begins with education. Courses should be provided at the workplace regarding basic fall prevention and awareness. This should cover awareness of surroundings, the potential for falling and not letting guard down for the sake of time. There are also several classes which cover OSHA’s standards for fall prevention. Finally, there are rescue classes which cover rescuing personnel who have had a falling accident in a confined space of from a tower. An inspector class is available for those who want to be safety inspectors.
To help ensure OSHA Fall Protection occurs there are products that can be added to traditional work equipment to make it safer and prevent falls. The grab safe attaches to a ladder so climbers have horizontal grips and do not have to grab the side as they climb. Cagex nets can be hung below areas where personnel are working on ladders with elevated platforms at risk of high falls. An Anderson Ladder helps ensure climbers have three points of contact at all times for low climbs. A hatch grip mounts over the top of a hatch to give workers grips to use while climbing out so they do not have to stoop over and increase the risk of falling backwards.
There are companies that can help you be certain you are meeting OSHA’s fall prevention and safety standards. These companies can provide the required courses, audit and assessments, assist in fall protection design and various products, including anchorage point and horizontal lifeline establishment. Fall prevention and safety is an important part of your work plan. Consult OSHA guidelines and safety specialists to ensure your employees are safe while on the job. This will save lost work time and potential worker’s compensation cost.For more information visit us at website
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