The Importance of Having Fall Protection Plans

Work-related injuries are still a huge problem despite today’s technological advancements and all the high-end safety equipment available. The Bureau of Labour Statistics issued a national census showing an 8.9% increase in fatal occupational injuries in the workplace in 2021, compared to 2020. 

Falls are one of the most prevalent causes of this type of injury, leading to severe ailments, days away from work, and even death. For this reason, a good fall protection plan is essential for any workplace that has a high risk of falling, slipping, or tripping. 

Fall Protection

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) deems fall protection an essential part of any workplace that exposes its workers to dangerous heights or other conditions where a fall would be fatal, such as working over heavy machinery or other hazardous materials. 

Fall protection entails any effort on the employer's part to protect its workers from potential dangers and injuries due to work-related falls, slips, or trips.

Why is Fall Protection Important?

Fall protection is essential for all parties involved. A well-prepared plan for fall protection will ensure the employee's safety in the workplace and shield the employer from liability, contributing to the success of the business. 

Creating a safe work environment is also required by law, so any company that ignores its employees’ safety can face legal consequences. 

Methods of Fall Protection

Different job sites require diverse methods of fall prevention, the most common ones using personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, or guardrail systems. Any equipment a business decides to use will generally fall under one of the four fall protection methods. 

• Fall elimination is the most desired one. This method eliminates all possible falling, tripping, and slipping hazards. For example, avoid exposing employees to great heights. Unfortunately, for occupations such as construction, working at elevated heights cannot be avoided. This method only applies to some workplaces. 
• Fall prevention focuses on preventing a fall. This method uses guardrails, toe boards, safety harnesses, and other equipment to secure workers in their designated places.
• Fall arrest refers to systems designed to stop a person from hitting the ground after falling. Typically, the equipment used consists of a harness, a lifeline, and one or more anchor points.
• Fall restraint is similar to fall prevention. It typically uses shorter lifelines that prevent the worker from approaching dangerous gaps and edges.

Occupations that Require Fall Protection Plans

It's important to stress that fall protection plans are necessary for all businesses that expose their workers to dangerous heights or otherwise dangerous work conditions. Some of the occupations that fit these criteria are:

• Construction work
• Roof installation and repair 
• Windmill or solar panel installation and repair
• Cell tower tech repair 
• Window washing

Ensure Safety with the Best Fall Protection Plan and Systems

Regardless of your line of work, if there is even a remote possibility of injury in the workplace due to falling, you should consider implementing a fall protection plan. Securing the proper equipment will help you and your employees stay safe. 

Southeast Rigging Inc. offers the best equipment for fall protection. Choose from various shock-absorbing lanyards, anchors, and full-body harnesses to create the ultimate fall prevention or protection system tailored to your job. Contact us online for any inquiries or call our offices in Jacksonville, Orlando, or Tempa to make your purchase.