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Fall protection in industrial settings can benefit both the employer and the employee. Employers can prevent fatalities and maintain workplace safety by implementing fall prevention tools and training.
According to OSHA, businesses must provide fall protection at heights of four feet for general industrial activities, five for shipyards, six for construction work, and eight for extended shoring operations.
Reduced Risk of Injuries
To lessen the danger of occupational injuries, businesses frequently choose to install fall protection in industrial settings. Fall prevention measures include guardrails, safety gates, industrial fall protection nets, warning lines, and fall arrest equipment.
Finding all the current and potential dangers on the job site is the first step in developing an OSHA fall protection program. Moving pathways, pointy and abrasive materials, and shaky walking surface all fall within this category.
After identifying fall hazards, the next step is determining what solutions are needed to eliminate these risks. An efficient method for this is the procedure described in ANSI/ASSE Z359.2-2007 (Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program). It outlines a systematic, logical approach to evaluating all fall hazards and creating a prevention solution.
Increased Productivity
Fall protection can improve productivity by reducing injury risks and keeping workers safe. It can result in increased production, making it more profitable for the company.
Large-scale warehouses where personnel use man-up lifts to retrieve inventory on top shelves are one popular setting for OSHA compliant fall protection. If workers fail to connect this device to their fall protection system, they risk injury.
It could be due to distractions or a swift work pace. They had a way to detect if a worker is on their order picker platform and not tied off can make it easier for employers to manage this issue.
The best practice for fall prevention is to engineer FRP grate physical barriers that prevent a fall from occurring in the first place. It is accomplished by identifying and addressing hazards, implementing PPE, engineering controls, training, and maintaining the program as needed.
Reduced Insurance Costs
A well-designed fall protection plan is not only a best practice that protects workers, but it can save employers money in the form of reduced insurance costs. For example, if the federal government insures your business, you may be eligible to deduct fall protection systems and equipment expenses from your taxes.
Investing in the appropriate equipment for your specific worksite is also worth the extra cash. For example, a fall protection system incorporating multiple safety devices is a bright idea.
The right combination of body support, connectors, and lanyards will prevent a fall from happening in the first place. In addition, the proper training can help your employees understand how to use the equipment properly and safely. The most important part of a successful fall prevention program is ensuring everyone on your team understands the benefits and responsibilities. Implementing administrative controls that encourage employee behavior and improve safety is also essential.
Improved Employee Satisfaction
In many industrial settings, employees have to move around equipment and machinery that may be slippery or hard to maneuver. It makes it essential for workers to use safety gear that helps them stay safe and comfortable.
Using active fall protection systems like body harnesses, connectors, and anchors is crucial in industries like oil & gas and pulp & paper plants that rely on large machines that demand continuous maintenance. Employees must receive training on how to operate these systems so they can prevent falls and other accidents.
While fall hazards are an inevitable part of every job, a well-designed fall protection program can help reduce the frequency of workplace injuries and deaths. Programs to prevent falls lower the chance of severe injuries and increase productivity. Foster a positive safety culture and save on insurance costs.
