One of the most common causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths is falling. This is why employers must take measures in their workplaces. Some common causes of falls that need to be prevented include falling off overhead platforms, elevated workstations, or falling into holes in the floor and walls.

Slips, trips, and falls are only second to motor vehicle crashes when it comes to general industry accidents. Therefore, it is only right that adequate protection is provided to employees. Moreover, OSHA dictates that fall protection is required unless one is working on a ladder, scaffold, or scissor lift.

Common Fall Hazard Locations

The following are some of the most common fall hazard locations:

●       Overhead platforms

●       Overhead runways

●       Elevated workstations

●       Floor openings or pits

●       Wall openings

●       Shelving units

●       Stationary Storage Tanks

●       Tanker Trucks

●       Industrial Production Units

Fall Hazard Control

For effective fall hazard control, it is important to go step by step. Take a look at how you should proceed with your fall hazard control.

Eliminate

First and foremost, it is crucial to try and eliminate the fall hazard. Therefore, work from the ground up to gauge the height of the tank or other relevant object. Covering holes and floor openings is a very effective way to eliminate a fall hazard. This is especially true if access to the hole is rarely necessary. Otherwise, latched or bolted trap doors can also be used.

Prevent

Here are some ways in which you can prevent falls:

Guardrails

Guardrails consist of top rails, mid-rails, and intermediate vertical members. They can also be combined with toe-boards and provide a vertical barrier system.

Standard Railing 

These consist of a top rail, a mid-rail, and posts.  The height from the upper surface of the top rail to floor level is 42 inches (+/− 3"), and for the mid-rail, it is 21 inches.

Standard Toeboard

Toeboards are barriers that prevent materials and equipment from dropping to lower levels. Standard toeboards are 3.5 inches high, with not more than ¼-inch clearance above the floor.

Fences and Barricades

You can use fences, barricades, and locked doors to prevent access to areas where a fall hazard exists. However, it is still better to have a method of fall protection inside the fence as well.

Personal Restraint

Personal restraint systems prevent falling by keeping the worker from reaching a fall hazard. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, and a body harness and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or any suitable combinations.

While fall restraint systems are not mentioned in OSHA’s fall protection rules, OSHA accepts a properly used fall restraint system in place of a personal fall arrest system. This is when the restraint system is rigged to prevent the worker from getting to the fall hazard. OSHA recommends that the fall restraint systems have the capacity to withstand 3,000 pounds of force or twice the maximum expected force needed to restrain the worker from exposure to the fall hazard.

Control

In case of accidents, it is best to try and control the fall to prevent accidents and mishaps.

Positioning of the Devices

A position-device system keeps both the hands of a worker free on a vertical structure. The difference between a positioning device system and a personal fall-arrest system is that the positioning device system supports the worker on an elevated surface and limits a fall to two feet.

Safety Net Systems

Safety net systems consist of mesh nets, panels, and connecting components. They are typically used as protection for those who work 25 feet or more above lower levels. Safety nets also require proper maintenance.

Duties of the Employer

There are certain obligations on the part of the employer to prevent fall hazards. The following are some employer requirements in terms of fall protection.

Training

Employers must provide training to all employees about fall hazards and methods to prevent them. It is also helpful to know about OSHA standards.

Inspection

The employer must inspect the workplace for potential fall hazards. The employees also check their personal restraints and personal protection systems.

Rescue

In the case of the unfortunate, there should be a proper rescue system beforehand. It is also crucial that the employer communicate this plan to all concerned parties.