Building Fall Protection
Falling is a considerable job hazard for professions such as construction workers and utility repairmen. A fall from even a short distance can result in broken bones, severe head trauma and even death. There are regulations in place to ensure that workers that have jobs in high places are as safe as possible. Provide protection from building falls with adequate preparation.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Provide helmets for all workers who are working on a roof or elevated structure and require them to wear the helmet at all times.
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2
Identify the fall hazards of the work site. The edge of a roof, hatches, ladders, slopes, weather conditions and obstructions are all examples of places where falls are more likely to occur.
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3
Limit the access to hazard areas. Assign the director of maintenance the task of supervising who is going on a roof or up a ladder; the director should make sure the person is authorized to be there and follows all safety guidelines. Do not allow workers to go to the roof for lunch or non-work activities.
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4
Have groups of two or three workers in a high-risk area at a time so they can assist each other if someone falls or loses his balance. If someone must be working alone in a risk zone, give them a radio and ask that they check in regularly.
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5
Install temporary safety railings on roofs that are being worked on.
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6
Connect horizontal grab bars to the top of all roof hatches to make it easier for workers to pull themselves in and out without losing their grip.
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7
Teach workers to only hold the rungs of ladders and never the side rails. This greatly reduces the chance of slipping off the ladder.
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8
Use a harness system on sloped roofs or for any worker who is on the side of a building.
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1
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References
- Photo Credit falling image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
