Dangerous falls are a risk in the construction industry. Construction workers are often climbing high buildings and carrying heavy equipment. Without proper training or attention to optimal safety, falls are more likely. Fortunately, OSHA fall protection is a program that improves safety and reduces the likeliness of a dangerous fall. These are some of the best ways to prevent high falls.
Use proper equipment on each project
OSHA has many standards and regulations that should always be followed for optimal safety. When using specific construction equipment, the accompanying safety devices should be used. Chain slings, for example, are just one of the required OSHA fall protection equipment. Additionally, workers who are six feet or more above lower levels are at risk for serious injury or death if they should fall. To protect these workers, employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job, including the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds, crane service, and safety gear. It is also important that the employer understand the specific safety equipment requirements for each type of project.
Organize an in depth fall protection system
Not only is proper OSHA fall protection equipment important, but it is also necessary that each employee understand the safety protocols. Each construction project should have a safety plan in process and every single worker on that project should be aware of the intended fall protection system. A deeper understanding of these safety protocols will ensure that safety is at the forefront of everyone?s training and operations.
Offer fall protection certifications
There are also OSHA fall protection certifications available. Currently, construction workers only take these courses to become more employable or to obtain a project manager position. Instead of making these OSHA fall protection courses optional, make them a requirement to work on any project. Worker injuries and illnesses are down, from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to 3.4 per 100 in 2011. This significant decline is primarily due to increased awareness and better safety courses.
Make safety a priority of all project managers
Project managers are often tasked with monitoring construction workers. They are ensuring that the project is following all codes and that each part of the build is on time. In addition to these important build evaluations, project managers also need to be in charge of safety. Because they are looking at the project from the outside and making evaluations in terms of progress and visuals, they can also identify any problematic safety protocols. Without certain safety protocols in place and workers actually following them, a person can fall up to seven feet in two thirds of a second. This is a serious risk that needs to be addressed by all.
Keep up to date with new OSHA safety standards
It is best to keep up to date with any OSHA safety standard changes. As new safety equipment hits the market or new ways of reducing risk are found, the regulations will be changed. It is important that every construction business, crew, and employee keep up with these changes. Sending project managers and even contractors to these OSHA meetings can improve overall safety with knowledge.
OSHA plays a crucial role in reducing fall risk of construction workers. Their attention and dedication to falls have caused a significant decline in life threatening falls while on the job. Construction crews that keep up with these safety protocols and regulations are able to better provide a safe work environment for everyone on the project.
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