Fall Prevention: Three Easy Steps

Falls are the number one death-related accident in construction work.  This year, fall prevention is one of OSHA's primary campaigns as deaths from falls during construction work in 2010 numbered over 250.  With the proper precautions, these deaths can be prevented.  OSHA puts forth a three-pronged approach to avoiding fall hazards: Planning Ahead, Providing the Proper Materials, and Providing the Right Training.

Plan Ahead
Assess what the job will entail. Take into account the job location and duties workers will be performing. Examine the job site for potential hazards and determine what equipment will be necessary to get the job done safely.  Be sure to include these expenses when estimating the cost of the work.

Provide Proper Equipment
It is important to determine which type of scaffold, ladder and safety equipment are to be used.  As jobs vary, so does the equipment needed to provide maximum safety for the task.  Workers who are six feet or more above the ground or any lower level must have fall protection. The use of personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) is vital for those working at such levels. Be sure the PFAS is in good working condition and has the proper fit. Harnesses are necessary for all workers who need to tie off to the anchor.

Provide the Right Training
Training workers to recognize hazards and to understand the proper use and care of work equipment and safety equipment is critical to reducing and eliminating falls, accidents, and injury. Go to OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov/stopfalls/edresources.html for valuable resources on safe practices to prevent falls.