How to Prevent Falls in Construction
Falls continue to plague the construction industry and according to OSHA, are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. In most cases, accidents that become fatal were due to workers not wearing their fall protection properly – if at all – or employers had not provided fall protection. In all cases, deaths were preventable, but accidents are inevitable.
Secure Construction Liability Insurance first and foremost, but consider these preventative measures to reduce the risk of dangerous falls in your construction operations.
Plan
When planning a job that will require working from height, the employer is responsible for ensuring the work will be done safely. Begin by deciding how the job will be done, what tasks will be involved, and what safety equipment may be needed to complete each task. When estimating the cost of a job, include safety equipment and have all the necessary equipment and tools available at the construction site.
For instance, in a roofing job, consider all of the different fall hazards, such as holes or skylights and leading edges, then select fall protection suitable to that work, such as personal fall arrest systems. Hazards are prominent in this industry, to say the least.
Train
Employers must train workers to recognize hazards on the job. Every worker should be trained on the proper setup and safe use of all protection equipment. When working with ladders, workers should know to maintain three points of contact, keep the ladder on a level surface, secure the ladder by locking its metal braces and refrain from overreaching when standing on the rungs. When working on a scaffold, employees must know how to set up the scaffold, including how to install guardrails, ensure stable footing will be maintained, and level the scaffold.
For roof work, employees should know whether their harness fits properly and to stay connected or tied off at all times. Workers should be able to check that their anchor points are safe and that any openings are protected or covered.
Have the Right Equipment
Workers who are at six feet or more above lower levels are at risk for serious injury or death if they should fall. To protect these workers, employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job, including the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear.
It is crucial to use the correct ladder or scaffold to get the job done safely. For roof work, if workers use personal fall arrest systems, provide a harness for each worker who needs to tie off to the anchor. Make sure the system fits and regularly inspect it for safe use.
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.