Fall Protection Mistakes Contractors Should Never Ever Allow

Despite cool new safety gear to prevent falls, why do we still see so many fall-related injuries? This piece explores preventable failures in fall protection.

Falling at work, whether from the same level or from a height, is the second most common work accident in the U.S, right behind transportation mishaps. Every year, nearly $70 billion goes towards treating and compensating American workers who’ve had a fall.

So, why do falls keep happening if we’ve got all this great safety gear? Sometimes the gear isn’t used at all, but other times the gear itself is no good. Here are some reasons why our safety gear isn’t always up to the task of keeping us safe.

Not Making Good Use of Your Safety Gear

Many experts say the newest reason workers get injured is choosing the wrong gear for the job. Workers might feel safe, but their gear doesn’t protect them as they think.

Three key things can make your fall protection gear really work for you:

• Training on how to use your Personal Fall Protection Equipment (PFPE), with guidance for your specific work situation.
• Following the right steps to use and care for your PFPE.
• Regular checks of your PFPE.

You need to learn how to use your gear the right way, and to look after it properly. Your bosses should also check all the gear regularly and make sure it’s set up correctly by trained hands.

Up High Safely Is More than Gear

Just using Fall Protection Gear isn’t enough. What really counts is knowing the danger. You have to respect the height and use the gear right. Plus, you need training. This training helps teach you safe steps. And it should feel like a helping hand.

• Double-check your fall protection gear
• Don’t forget to check your fall protection gear

Fall Gear checks – they’re huge. Why? Your gear is your safety net. Up there, it’s crucial. Be sure: always check it. No check, no work.

Myths about Horizontal Lifelines

Here’s the thing with Horizontal Lifelines – not all smooth sailing. Surprisingly, they can be tricky. The problem is, users ignore training and upkeep.

So what are these lifelines? They’re safety ropes. They connect two high points. You can latch on and move freely. No swapping points required. It sounds great, right? You can move more, work faster.

They do save time. But, they need stronger points to connect to. When a person falls, it can be a heavy shock. Sometimes, it’s too much. Even a short fall can be too much.

Here’s a mistake folks make: “I weigh 200 lbs. My rope can take 12,000 lbs. I’m safe.” Wrong! It’s the point they’re attached to. That can be the weak spot. Often it’s overlooked.

Then there’s clearance. It’s about knowing how much rope you need. Some folks guess. But you need an engineer. They understand the sag and deflection ratios. Sounds tough, right? It’s all about charts and formulas.

• Roof hatches need rails
• Avoid absence of expert fall systems

Do it wrong, ignore protection, and you’re asking for trouble. So remember: be smart, be alert. Know your safety steps. Working safe at big heights is about culture. Make it a great one.

Did you know many businesses are trying to remove all danger as their top defense against falls? Sounds smart, right? Well, it actually saves money too! Think about it: less money on constant retraining, retesting, recertification, and reapplication. Quite clever, no?

• No hazard elimination? Try Plan B! In case hazards stay, there’s still hope. How? Solid blockades against falling hazards! Old-school fall stoppers like guardrails or solid walls are top picks. Pretty neat right? Even floors (check them here on our website) and overhead walkways help! Make no mistake, these are champions to ward off fall scares!
• Fall restraint – the safety harness! But wait, what if doing construction far up from the ground is inevitable? Here’s where fall restraint wades in! In this method, workers slap on special gear before they start work. And the best part? They never get close to the dangerous outer lengths of a structure!

Now, here’s something that might blow your mind. Imagine putting fall hazards on the thought-list even while designing buildings. How cool is that? Take Europe, for instance. Builders are now asked to fix anchor points in new buildings. Way to ditch the costly retrofitting, don’t you agree?

Training

With fall systems getting smarter, sometimes they can be confusing, true? The best way to wriggle out of this muddle is regular training. And buddy, don’t take this lightly! Especially if you’re new to this. There’s no such thing as too much practice. Trust me, a well-trained hand at height goes a long way, and a long way safely!