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According to the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there were 351 fatal falls to a lower level out of 1,008 construction fatalities in 2020.
Fall protection safety is a critical aspect for workers in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Unfortunately, there are several common myths surrounding fall protection safety, which can lead to dangerous misconceptions and potentially life-threatening situations. Let’s debunk five of the most popular fall protection myths.
According to OSHA, there is no safe distance from any side or edge that would render fall protection unnecessary. While it is true that falls from heights are more common on roofs and elevated work areas, any work area that is six feet or more above a lower level requires fall protection.
This includes scaffolding, ladders, and even some stairways. It is crucial to remember that fall hazards can exist in many different settings, and fall protection must be used in any situation where a fall might occur.
It is a common misconception that a parapet alone is sufficient to prevent falling on a rooftop. While a parapet can serve as a perimeter fall protection measure, it must meet specific requirements set by OSHA to be considered as such. OSHA views a parapet as equivalent to a guardrail system, which means it must be at least 42 inches (1.1 m) above the walking/working level with a margin of plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm).
However, many parapets may not run the entire perimeter of the rooftop, which leaves exposed leading edges that can pose a serious fall hazard. In such cases, it is necessary to add further protection with fall protection equipment.
Even if a task will only take a few minutes or appears to have a low risk of falls, fall protection is still necessary. Many falls occur during routine tasks, such as changing a lightbulb or installing insulation. A fall from even a short distance can result in serious injury or death. It is always better to be cautious and use fall protection safety in any situation where there is a risk of falling.
Fall protection equipment can be costly, but the cost of a fall can be much higher. Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, and the associated costs can include medical expenses, lost wages, workers' compensation claims, negative press, and even workplace shutdown.
Meanwhile, fall protection equipment is a one-time expense that can provide long-term safety benefits. Many types of fall protection equipment are also quick and easy to set up, minimizing the time required to implement fall protection measures.
Common sense can vary between individuals and workplaces, making it difficult to rely on as a guide for fall protection. Regulations have been put in place to maintain consistent fall protection measures across all relevant industries.
To effectively prevent falls, it is not enough to simply have the proper fall protection equipment in place. Comprehensive training on fall protection is equally important. Rather than relying solely on common sense, it is important to ensure that all employees are knowledgeable about the potential hazards and the necessary safety measures to be taken.
By promoting a full understanding of fall protection and ensuring proper use of equipment, we can successfully prevent falls from heights in the workplace.
Debunking these five fall protection myths is an important step in preventing workplace injuries and fatalities. Employers should provide comprehensive fall protection training and ensure that workers are equipped with high-quality fall protection safety equipment from Southeast Rigging, Inc. for their job duties. By doing so, they can ensure that their workers return home safely at the end of the day.
Check out the anchors, full-body harnesses, and shock-absorbing lanyards that keep workers secure regardless of the work environment here.
