Fall Protection for Construction

 

Construction workers continue to fall to their deaths in record numbers. In 1996, 292 construction workers lost their lives because of a fall. Your company has a duty to anticipate your need for fall protection. Careful planning and preparation lay the groundwork for an accident-free worksite. However, your employer is not perfect; you need to be involved in the process.

Before you go to work at heights six feet or higher, your employer needs to look at a few issues. They need to: (1) understand the duty to provide fall protection, (2) assess the worksite for fall hazards, and (3) select the correct protection system.

You are a valuable source for locating hazards. Your company should involve you in the process, and teach you how to do worksite assessments, recognize fall hazards, and select the proper fall equipment.

A duty to provide fall protection
When you are working six feet or more above lower levels, OSHA points out specific areas and operations where fall protection is required. They are: ramps, runways, walkways, excavations, hoist areas, holes, form and reinforcing steel work, leading edge work, unprotected sides and edges, overhand bricklaying and related work, roofing work, precast concrete erection, wall openings, and residential construction.

The OSHA rules point out the protection options you have to satisfy the requirement. If the situation is not “listed” in the OSHA rules then 1926.501(b)(15) (walking/working surfaces not otherwise addressed), is appropriate. This reference says that if none of the other situations fit, you must still be protected when working six feet or more above lower levels by a guardrail, safety net, or personal fall arrest equipment.

Worksite assessment
Before going to work, a worksite survey must be done to determine if the walking/working surface on which you are going to work has the strength and structural integrity to safely support you, your fellow workers, and all equipment. Once it is determined that the surface is safe, one of the fall protection options for the particular work operation must be selected if the walking/working surface is six feet or more above a lower level.

As you can see, going to work at heights above six feet is more than just going to work. Much effort is involved in ensuring your safety. Your supervisor, safety guru, or other workers can’t do it alone; you must be involved in the process. Don’t go to work in unsafe conditions; bring them to the attention of your supervisor.