What The Experts Suggest For Reducing Construction Site Falls
EMC loss control representatives turn to OSHA guidelines when advising contractors on minimum steps to reduce the likelihood of falls. Here are some of the most recommended strategies.
Unprotected Sides, Wall Openings and Floor Holes — Almost all sites have unprotected sides and edges, wall openings, or floor holes at some point during construction. If these sides and openings are not protected at your site, injuries from falls or falling objects may result, ranging from sprains and concussions to death. To reduce the risk of these hazards:
- Use at least one of the following whenever employees are exposed to a fall of six feet or more above a lower level — guardrail systems, safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems.
- Cover or guard floor holes as soon as they are created during new construction.
- For existing structures, survey the site before working and continually audit as work continues. Guard or cover any openings or holes immediately.
- Construct all floor hole covers so they will effectively support two times the weight of employees, equipment and materials that may be on the cover at any one time.
Improper Scaffold Construction — Working with heavy equipment and building materials on the limited space of a scaffold is difficult. Without fall protection or safe access, it becomes hazardous. Falls from improperly constructed scaffolds can result in injuries ranging from sprains to death. To reduce the risk of these hazards:
- Construct all scaffolds according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Install guardrail systems along all open sides and ends of platforms.
- Use a guardrail system and/or a personal fall arrest system for scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level.
- Provide safe access to scaffold platforms.
- Do not use or climb cross-bracing as a means of access.
Unguarded Protruding Steel Rebars — If you fall onto an unguarded, protruding rebar, you can impale yourself, resulting in serious internal injuries or death. To reduce the risk of these hazards:
- Guard all protruding ends of steel rebar with rebar caps or wooden troughs, or bend rebar so exposed ends are no longer upright.
- When employees are working at any height above exposed rebar, fall protection/prevention is the first line of defense against impalement.
Misuse of Portable Ladders — You risk falling if portable ladders are not safely positioned each time they are used. While you are on a ladder, it may move and slip from its supports. You can also lose your balance while getting on or off an unsteady ladder. Falls from ladders can cause injuries ranging from sprains to death. To reduce the risk of these hazards:
- Position portable ladders so the side rails extend at least 3 feet above the landing.
- Secure side rails at the top to a rigid support and use a grab device when a three-foot extension is not possible.
- Make sure that the weight on the ladder will not cause it to slip off its support.
- Before each use, inspect ladders for cracked or broken parts such as rungs, steps, side rails, feet and locking components.
- Do not apply more weight on the ladder than it is designed to support.
- Use only ladders that comply with OSHA design standards [29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(1)].
