Falls are the leading cause of injury in the workplace, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In fact, more than 5,000 workers die each year as a result of falls, and another 300,000 are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries. While there are many things you can do to prevent falls at work, there are some common mistakes that companies make when it comes to fall protection USA. Here’s what you need to know about some of these mistakes — and how to avoid them:
- Failing To Plan
Planning is key! Before you begin any work, it is important to evaluate the situation and determine what type of fall protection is needed. This can be done by drawing out a site map and determining where hazards are located. Once you have determined what type of fall protection equipment is needed, you should make sure it is readily available before beginning work.
- Not Implementing A Fall Protection Program
Even if you don’t have any employees who work at heights or on slippery surfaces, it’s still important to implement a comprehensive fall protection program that addresses all potential fall hazards in your workplace. This includes ensuring that all existing equipment is safe for use and keeping up with maintenance so that equipment doesn’t become damaged or worn out over time.
- Not Following OSHA Requirements
OSHA requires that you provide fall protection equipment for workers who are exposed to falls of six feet or more. Many states have similar requirements, so make sure you know what your state requires before you start any construction project involving height.
- Not Using Proper Fall Protection Equipment
Fall protection USA equipment should be chosen based on how far a worker could fall and how high he or she will be working. If your job requires working at height, then think about using a personal fall arrest system or personal tether system (i.e., lanyard). If your job does not involve working at a height above ground level (AGL), then think about using personal fall restraint systems (i.e., guardrails). Also, consider using fall restraint systems for workers who work near hazardous machinery such as power saws or drills because these machines create dust that could cause someone to lose their footing if they are not wearing proper PPE (i.e., goggles).
- Using The Wrong Equipment For The Job
There are many different types of fall protection equipment available on the market today, from simple safety harnesses and lanyards to full-body harnesses and lifelines. The type of fall protection you need depends on the job that needs to be done – for example, if you’re doing maintenance work with a power tool above ground level or working overhead at heights greater than 10 feet, then a full-body harness may be ideal for your needs. If you’re installing scaffolding or working on high walls, then a lifeline may be better suited for these scenarios since they allow workers to move around freely while still being protected from falls.
- Not Utilizing A Shock Absorbing Lanyards
In order to ensure your safety while at work sites that require fall protection USA, it’s important that you utilize proper accessories such as shock-absorbing lanyards or harnesses. These accessories help reduce the distance between you and the ground should an accident occur, which would otherwise result in serious injury or death if not using these safety devices.
- Failing To Properly Inspect & Maintain Equipment
If you are using any type of equipment that could potentially fail while you’re at work, it’s important that both yourself and your employer know how to properly inspect it before use and how often it needs maintenance checks performed on it. For example, if you’re working with scaffolding or ladders, make sure they’re structurally sound before using them! Inspections should be done frequently so that any concerns can be addressed immediately; otherwise, there could be serious consequences if something goes wrong during work hours!
- Neglecting Training
Just as important as having a rescue plan is making sure everyone knows how to use it properly. One of the biggest mistakes employers make is not providing their employees with proper training on the equipment they’ll be using. If your employees aren’t aware of the hazards associated with working at heights, they won’t know what measures they should take to prevent slips and falls.
- Not Providing A Rescue Plan
If you work at heights, you should always have an emergency escape plan in place. This includes having someone stationed below during your climb and ensuring they know how to use all necessary equipment, such as lanyards and harnesses. It also means making sure that an elevator is available if needed so someone can come up to help if necessary.
Conclusion:
So, there you have it: nine common mistakes that you should try your best to avoid. No matter what style of fall protection USA is being used in your area, it can be dangerous and even deadly if not used correctly. That’s why these mistakes are so easy to make and why it’s important that everyone understands them. Best of luck out there!
