New Mexico Contractor Fall Prevention Tips for Worker Safety

The leading cause of death for construction workers is falls. They account for one-third of all workplace fatalities in the sector. The most current statistics available from the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics indicates that 401 construction-related fatalities in 2019 were directly related to improper fall protection. Even though construction falls may be fatal, they can also be avoided by following these suggestions:

Always remain linked and wear a harness

Construction workers must wear a full-body harness while working at heights of six feet or more, according to OSHA regulations. Make sure the harness is constantly fastened to an anchor or a group of anchor points with a lanyard, potentially a lifeline or deceleration device.

Double check the fit of your harness

Selecting the appropriate size and donning it appropriately may save lives. Make sure the leg and shoulder straps are tight, the chest strap is at mid-chest, and the D-ring is positioned in the middle of the back. All of the movement should be possible when the harness is tight.

Employ lifelines or guardrails

To stop falls from occurring, safety guardrails provide a barrier from the leading edge of a rooftop. A worker who falls is prevented from reaching the surface below by lifelines. Examine the Fall Protection in Construction Technical Manual published by OSHA to understand how to use each system on various construction sites.

Inspect all your fall protection equipment before using

Every six months or more often as recommended by the manufacturer, fall prevention equipment should be inspected by a qualified individual. Every user has an obligation to check the equipment both before and after work every day. Examine the equipment for wear, burns, scrapes, abrasions, loose threads, pulled rivets, and other damage that might impair it. Inspect hooks, buckles, and D-rings for fractures or cracks. Remove worn-out or broken equipment from service right away.

Securely cover or guard any openings, holes, and skylights

To prevent employees from stumbling or falling into openings, guardrails or covers should always be placed around the exposed edges of apertures. At least twice as much weight in personnel or supplies should be supported by hole coverings.