OSHA’s Fall Protection Safety

OSHA’s Fall Protection Safety

Hazard:

Each year, falls consistently account for the greatest number of fatalities in the construction industry. A number of factors are often involved in falls, including unstable working surfaces, misuse or failure to use fall protection equipment and human error. Studies have shown that using guardrails, fall arrest systems, safety nets, covers and restraint systems can prevent many deaths and injuries from falls.

Solutions:

• Consider using aerial lifts or elevated platforms to provide safer elevated working surfaces;
• Erect guardrail systems with toeboards and warning lines or install control line systems to protect workers near the edges of floors and roofs;
• Cover floor holes; and/or
• Use safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems (body harnesses).