Fall prevention needs your attention: Final considerations
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March 18, 2024 - Fall protection audits play a crucial role in identifying potential risks and evaluating the effectiveness of safety measures.
In part one of our Fall protection needs your attention series, we address the importance of fall hazard identification, the application of the fall protection hierarchy of controls, and the proper application of regulatory requirements. Now, let’s investigate additional typical findings from fall protection audits and how these can be addressed.
Lack of employee training
Insufficient training of employees on the proper use of fall protection equipment is one of the top findings during fall protection audits. Many employees are unaware of the potential hazards associated with working at heights or lack the necessary skills to use the required equipment safely and effectively.
Training programs should cover aspects such as:
- Identification of fall hazards in the workplace.
- Proper use and inspection of fall protection equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points.
- Emergency procedures and the importance of reporting unsafe conditions.
Addressing this knowledge gap requires investing in comprehensive training programs and regularly updating them to reflect changes in equipment or regulations. Employees armed with knowledge are better equipped to protect themselves and their colleagues.
Two topics that are often missed but are an effective part of employee training are:
- Properly preparing for a fall incident by developing a rescue plan.
- Understanding the nuances of fall clearance calculations.
Lack of rescue planning
A sizable oversight often revealed in fall protection audits is the absence of or inadequate rescue planning. In the event of a fall, a prompt and well-executed rescue is crucial to minimizing injuries. This is particularly important for orthostatic intolerance, commonly known as suspension trauma, which could be fatal in less than 30 minutes.
Common rescue-related issues include:
- Absence of documented rescue plans.
- Inadequate training on rescue procedures.
- Lack of appropriate rescue equipment.
Employers should develop and communicate clear plans, ensuring that all employees are aware of the procedures to follow in case of an incident. Regular drills and simulations can help verify the effectiveness of these rescue plans and identify areas for improvement.
Improper understanding
Understanding fall clearance calculations is vital for the proper use of fall protection equipment. Fall clearance is the total vertical distance an employee can fall before encountering a lower level or obstruction.
Audit findings often include:
- Inaccurate calculations leading to insufficient clearance. Considerations include, but are not limited to free fall distance, swing fall, anchor point height, and safety factor.
- Misinterpretation of equipment specifications.
- Lack of awareness regarding the importance of fall clearance.
Addressing this issue requires focused training on fall clearance calculations, emphasizing the need for precise measurements and proper equipment selection. Employers should also encourage employees to seek clarification when in doubt and provide resources for ongoing learning.
Conducting regular fall protection audits is a proactive step toward creating a safer work environment at elevated heights. Addressing common findings and investing in education, planning, and ongoing evaluation can ensure that teams are well prepared and protected against the risks associated with working at heights. After all, the sky's the limit when it comes to workplace safety.
Read Identifying confined spaces, Electrical safety gets a jolt: Diving into NFPA 70E’s latest updates, Unveiling OSHA’s 2024 game changer: Electronic submission for safer workplaces, and Cracking OSHA's warehouse safety code from BSI safety expert Khara Huhta and follow our Compliance Essentials for other regulatory updates.
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