Fall Prevention Week
Posted in Personal Injury,Workers Compensation
In the construction industry, falls are the most frequently occurring types of accidents resulting in fatalities. Experience does not seem to reduce the risk, almost all fall accidents take place at elevations of less than 30 ft. among workers with 10 years of experience or more. What we have to keep in mind is that falls are preventable. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of falling:
Have a plan: When working from heights, plan ahead to assure the job will be done in a safe way. Decide how the job will be done, what tasks will be involved, and what safety equipment may be needed to complete each task. When estimating the cost of a job, include safety equipment, and plan to have all the necessary equipment and tools available at the construction site.
Use safety equipment: Workers work at six feet or more above lower levels are at risk for serious injury or death if they should fall. To protect this risk, employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job, including the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear.
Get trained: Every worker should be trained on proper set-up and safe use of equipment they use on the job. Employers must train workers in recognizing hazards on the job.
FALLS CAN BE PREVENTED
Falls from roofs
- Wear a harness and always stay connected
- Make sure your harness fits
- Use guardrails or lifelines
- Inspect all fall protection equipment before use
- Guard or cover all holes, openings, and skylights
Falls from ladders
- Choose the right ladder for the job
- Maintain three points of contact
- Secure the ladder
- Always face the ladder
- Guard or cover all holes, openings, and skylights
Falls from scaffolds
- Use fully planked scaffold
- Ensure proper access to scaffold
- Plumb and level
- Complete ALL guardrails
- Ensure stable footing
- Inspect before use (by competent person)
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)