RJ Sullivan

Fall Protection in the Workplace - Personal Protective Equipment

Falls are the third leading cause of work related injuries, but they can be avoided or the severity reduced with the proper use of personal protective equipment.  Learn everything you can about the equipment you need to use in dangerous situations.

Every year 11,000 people are killed and 200,000 are injured by falls. Falls are the third leading cause of work-related injures. Because of these startling statistics, OSHA has mandated training for anyone who works off the ground. Personal protective equipment is a big part of fall prevention and knowing when and how to use the equipment if critical.

First of all, when working off the ground in any capacity you need the right mindset. Always think about safety and the safest way to accomplish the task at hand. Never work above the ground if you are overly tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even working under emotional stress should be avoided. You need your reflexes and mind to be at 100% when working above the ground.

While helmets, gloves and foot ware are extremely important personal protective equipment in fall prevention and safety, complete fall protection must include at least one of the following components: Guard Rails, Safety Nets or Personal Fall Arrest Systems.

Installing guard rails is an extremely effective fall prevention system. When installing a guard rail it can be temporary or permanent but the following must be adhered to - rails must be able to support 200lbs, stand 39-45 inches high, include a mid-rail, and be inspected in regularly scheduled intervals.

Sometimes guard rails cannot be installed and when this is the case, safety-nets are common. Safety nets can be designed to catch falling workers and falling tools. They should be inspected at least every week and after a human or tool falls. Tools and other debris should be removed immediately from nets.

Sometimes, guard rails and nets are not enough and the serious danger of falling still occurs. In these cases a "personal fall arrest system" should be used. They are comprised of a full body harness, a connecting device and an anchor point. Body harnesses distribute weight evenly over the shoulders, buttocks and thighs.

Before you use any fall protection personal protective equipment, make sure you have experienced personally how the equipment works, made necessary adjustments and have become comfortable and familiar with the equipment. This article is an overview and all fall protection training is required OSHA. Make sure you are current with the guidelines.

Don't be one of deaths or disabilities that result from workplace falls every year. Follow simple safety procedures when working on above the ground and never take an unnecessary risk. You might save a second or two, but if you are injured for life that second will seem foolish.

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