Did you know the leading cause of construction accidents with over 500 related deaths occurring every year are falls? According to OSHA, Fall Protection has remained the most frequently cited offense for the past 11 years.
OSHA requires fall protection in all circumstances in which an employee is at risk of falling from heights. To reduce fall-related accidents, OSHA states that fall protection “[must] 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 long shoring operations.”
Fall protection and prevention refers to risk mitigation and abatement strategies in high-risk occupations and covers areas such as stairways, roofs, or raised platforms. Utilizing devices such as harnesses and guardrails per OSHA best practices and procedures helps ensure workplace safety, reduces incidents, and help avoid associated risks and fines.
4 Tips for Fall Prevention and Protection
- Update your HASP to current standards
- Conduct walks of the jobsite and identify potential hazards
- Examine all fall protection equipment daily prior to each use
- Book a Fall Prevention and Fall Protection course
United Alliance Services is expanding our Construction Safety Week 2022 focus through the entire month of May. Take the first step towards an improved safety culture and a fall free jobsite by signing up for our EM385 Fall Protection Open Enrollment course in June. Private group training at our Canton, MA facility is also available.