Falls are among the most common causes of serious work related injuries and deaths. A workplace fall can result in serious injury, lost time, and even death. OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in longshoring operations. In addition, OSHA requires that fall protection be provided when working over dangerous equipment and machinery, regardless of the fall distance.
To prevent employees from being injured from falls, employers must:
- Guard every floor hole into which a worker can accidentally walk (using a railing and toe-board or a floor hole cover).
- Provide a guard rail and toe-board around every elevated open sided platform, floor, or runway.
- Regardless of height, if a worker can fall into or onto dangerous machines or equipment (such as a vat of acid or a conveyor belt) employers must provide guardrails and toe-boards to prevent workers from falling and getting injured.
- Other means of fall protection that may be required on certain jobs include safety harness and line, safety nets, stair railings and hand rails.
OSHA (29 CFR 1910.28 and 1926.501) requires employers to provide protection for each employee exposed to fall and falling object hazards, including employees who are constructing a leading edge 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels. G2 offers the following services to assist with your fall protection program:
- Competent person assistance as required by OSHA and ANSI Z359 standards
- Fall Protection Plans
- Elevated work surface fall hazard evaluations that rank hazards according to frequency of exposure (risk) and severity of injury (hazard).
- Recommend process improvements to reduce fall risk
- Selection of appropriate protective equipment
- Train employees and supervisors on fall protection measures
- Fall protection equipment inspection and evaluation
Take the First Step Toward a Safer Workplace
Are you ready to address the fall hazards your employees face at your facility? Contact G2 Consultants today to schedule an assessment or request more information.
