Safety in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility, and it starts with knowing and understanding how to use the equipment properly. Falls are the number one cause of workplace deaths and injuries, and OSHA estimates that about 700,000 workers suffer a workplace fall each year. Falls account for 40 percent of worker deaths and 30 percent of all nonfatal injuries. So, how do we prevent falls? The answer begins with proper training, and it starts with knowing how to fall.
Fall Protection Training Tips to Saves Lives
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released 29 new safety rules that will protect workers from on-the-job injuries and deaths. These rules cover a wide range of industries, including construction, maintenance, maritime, manufacturing, agriculture, and more. The rules of workplace safety may seem simple, but they’re actually very important. In fact, workplace safety rates as one of the most important concerns for employers. Because safety is so important, all workers need to be trained on how to stay safe in the workplace.
Inspect personal protective equipment and systems before use
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 3,190 fatalities in 2016 due to falls. Many of these falls could have been prevented if proper fall protection practices had been adopted. Every employer and worker should examine all personal protective equipment and systems before use to guarantee their sustained safety.
Use equipment with the proper ratings and design as required by OSHA
One of the most important aspects of fall protection is ensuring that it is done properly. OSHA requires employers to specifically train their employees in the proper use of fall protection equipment as it applies to their job(s). Employers must train each employee no later than 30 days before their first use of the equipment. This training must include hands-on training, job site tours and demonstrations, comprehensive written training, and retraining. The written training must clearly inform employees of the operation, use, and limitations of the Fall Protection equipment that they are required to use.
Always wear equipment properly, don’t take a shortcut
Every worker faces safety problems on the job every day. Some of these problems can be avoided by wearing safety equipment. In the construction industry, fall protection and safety tools are essential. Fall protection is serious business because workers are put at risk when they fall. Fall protection training isn’t just for construction workers. It’s for everyone! Fall protection training can be the difference between life and death. It’s essential that workers know how to safely use fall protection equipment, from harnesses and lanyards to scaffolds and ladders. The OSHA’s revised Fall Protection rule, which goes into effect September 23, 2020, requires employers to provide workers with fall protection training.
If a workplace is unsafe, contact OSHA
Workplace safety is very important. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has a list of their top ten workplace safety tips. These tips protect employees from accidents and help save lives. Fall protection features prominently on the list, and employees should understand fall hazards, the regulations, and how to implement these regulations.
Make sure all floor holes in which an employee can unintentionally walk are protected
Some floor holes can be overlooked as something that should be guarded. However, what might seem like a small or insignificant hole can actually be an exposed hazard. Statistics show that, on average, a worker will fall from a height of fewer than 2 feet once every 8 hours and that 30% of those falls happen from unprotected holes. Fall protection training can help identify those holes, as well as train workers to use fall protection equipment when working in holes.
All elevated open-sided platforms, floors, or runways must be protected
Every elevated open-sided platform, floor, or runway should be protected as one of the Fall Protection tips Training Saves Lives. Fall protection is the act of protecting the workers from falls and near falls and is covered under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. These regulations set standards that employers must follow and protect employees from potential injuries.
It’s not always about height when it comes to fall protection
Height isn’t the only factor in fall protection, and in fact, it’s one of the least important factors. The important thing to remember is that all workers need to be protected from fall hazards, regardless of their height.
Get a professional opinion of your worksite
When it comes to workplace safety, many employers will urge you to be your own eyes and ears to prevent accidents. While this is true, don’t forget to get a professional opinion of your work site. Fall protection equipment should be inspected annually by a qualified person and must be in safe working condition.
Get the proper fall protection training
Fall protection training should be legally required for all workers. According to OSHA, an estimated 2.4 million workers become injured each year from falls, and approximately 1,300 workers die every year. Fall protection training is important to protect both workers and companies when working in high-risk environments, such as construction sites, especially for employees who work on scaffolds and access equipment. When employees receive the proper fall protection training, it makes them more effective at their jobs.
Learn the OSHA regulations for your industry
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations require employers to provide employees with adequate safety equipment, including fall protection, ladders, scaffolding, and more. In the construction, factory, warehouse, manufacturing, and mining sectors, this can pose a big problem. OSHA regulations are so extensive that many companies, big and small, can’t afford to invest in all the safety gear they need. Fortunately, there are ways to get requisite safety equipment without spending your entire budget on gear. Clockwork Safety & Equipment Training offers fall protection training at your workplace.
Safety Training for Fall Protection
Fall protection isn’t just about preventing injuries. It’s about protecting the worker. Employers have a responsibility to provide training for their employees on fall protection, and part of that training should cover how to keep their workers safe from injury. Fall protection practices have evolved and now focus on proactive safety measures. Fall protection training teaches workers to take responsibility for fall prevention by implementing right-angled equipment, using proper equipment, wearing the right equipment, and utilizing training.
People who work in construction, maintenance, or landscaping jobs are often at risk of injury, especially if they need to be at the top of a tall ladder or scaffold. That’s why it’s important to always wear the right equipment. Proper fall protection training can help you avoid these dangerous conditions and keep you safe.
Conclusion
If employees are not given the training and education on how to stay safe, then not only are lives lost, but businesses are at risk, too. That is why OSHA requires employers to train workers on fall protection. Fall protection training should be a part of each employee’s training, no matter their industry. The fall protection training helps workers understand how to identify fall hazards that can and will occur. It also teaches workers how to protect themselves from falls by giving them knowledge about fall protection, such as how to select the right Personal Fall Arrest System for the job and how to avoid fall hazards.
