FALL PROTECTION. WHY DO YOU NEED IT?
Fall protection and ladders training made it onto OSHAS’s top 10 most cited standards. You need to focus on your safety program for 2023. Why? Not enough is being done to prevent falls in the workplace.
When must employers provide fall protection?
Have you heard of the 6-foot rule? No, it is not social distancing. OSHA requires the use of fall protection when construction workers are working at heights of 6 feet, or greater, above a lower level. It also applies at heights of less than 6 feet when working near dangerous equipment; for example, working over machinery with open drive belts, pulleys or gears, or open vats of degreasing agents or acid.
Fall Protection tips to keep your employees safe:
- Annual inspections. Your fall protection systems should be inspected annually per manufacturer specifications. This will also help you extend the life of your fall protection, which saves you money. We can inspect any fall protection systems, as well as train your employees on the use of Fall Protection.
- Access ladders that were installed before 2018 may be non-compliant if changes have been made to them. However, the ladders can stay until 2036. OSHA requires that there be a minimum of 7” between the rungs of a fixed ladder and the nearest permanent object (1910.23(d)(2)). Also, cages are no longer accepted as a means of fall protection for fixed ladders taller than 24 feet. A fall arrest system is now required. We also offer Ladder Safety training for your employees and installation systems of up to 400 pounds.
- Weight Ratings. Most manufacturers sell harnesses with a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds. The harness is not the only component you need to worry about. You need to know the capacity of your harness, lanyard, anchor point and any connecting devices. Each component in the system must be in working condition for the entire system to be effective.
With the rise of fall-related fatalities, you must focus your attention on fall safety so everyone can go home to their families each day. Per OSHA, any employee who may be exposed to a fall hazard must be able to recognize fall hazards and be trained in ways to minimize those hazards (1910.28(b)(1)(ii)). Employees should be retrained whenever any new equipment is purchased as well.
Without proper training, mistakes could cause lost-time injuries, or worse. We offer training in many categories, including Fall Protection and Ladder Safety. LeeMax Safety Solutions brings expertise to our clients. Contact us at 681-229-1457, or admin@leemaxss.com, for training suited to your company’s needs.