OSHA Fall Protection – tis The Season

Table of Contents

Two contractors carrying a ladder while following OSHA Fall Protection guidelines.

Fall Protection

Leaves aren’t the only things falling in Autumn, and the change in weather and sunlight significantly increases the chance of falls and slips. There’s no better time to refresh yourself on Fall Protection than during Fall Protection Month.

Interesting Statistics:

  • Nearly 1 in 4 deaths occur from ladder use

  • 1 in 3 fatal falls in construction last year was from 15 feet or less

  • Fall Protection has been the top-cited OSHA violation for 12 consecutive years

OSHA Requirements

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) takes Fall Protection very seriously. Considering the stats above, the dangers of falls are prevalent in nearly every working condition. Citations can seriously impact your company’s safety profile in contractor prequalification systems like ISNetworld® and Avetta® – potentially preventing you from a contract.

Here are some of the basic OSHA requirements for an employer:

  • Employers must train workers about job hazards in a language that they understand.

  • Working conditions must be provided free of known dangers.

  • Floors must be kept clean and as dry as possible in all work areas

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be selected based on the hazards of the job and provided to employees at no cost.

Prevention of Falls

Here are some best practices when setting up a workplace to prevent falls:

  • Provide a guard rail and toe-board around every elevated open-sided floor, runway, and platform

  • Provide guardrails and toe-boards around all dangerous machines and equipment, regardless of height, to prevent employees from falling

  • Guard every floor hole capable of traffic using a railing and toe board or a floor hole cover.

  • Additional means of fall protection include safety harnesses and line, safety nets, stair railing, handrails, non-slip shoes, and other PPE

Continued Safety Practices

Performing solid Risk Assessments (JSAs) and employee awareness is the first step in the right direction.

But, good safety must be continuously practiced and embedded into the culture of your company’s everyday routines.

Falls can be prevented with the appropriate amount of attention and training. Need a Fall Protection Tool Box Talk? Does your Fall Protection Safety Program need a revamp? Reach out to Cascade QMS today!

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