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The top 10 most cited OSHA violations are dominated by fall protection & training. We can remedy that.

November 28, 2025, 9:11 am | by Ray Nardo

Again in 2025, the same key categories of Fall Protection dominate the OSHA violation list, underscoring ongoing challenges in maintaining safe work environments.  Let’s break down the issues, solutions, and benefits of addressing fall protection violations.  Fallproof makes it easy for your company to stay not only compliant, but most importantly free from catastrophe.

Here are the Top 5 sections cited:
1. 1926.503(a)(1): The employer shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. 
The program shall enable each employee to recognize the hazards of falling and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed to minimize these hazards. – 1,216 violations
2. 1926.503(b)(1): The employer shall verify compliance with paragraph (a) of this section by preparing a written certification record. The written certification record shall contain the name or other identity of the employee trained, the date(s) of the training, and the signature of the person who conducted the training or the signature of the employer. If the employer relies on training conducted by another employer or completed prior to the effective date of this section, the certification record shall indicate the date the employer determined the prior training was adequate rather than the date of actual training. – 491
3. 1926.503(a)(2): The employer shall ensure each employee has been trained, as necessary, by a competent person. – 97
4. 1926.503(c)(3): Inadequacies in an affected employee’s knowledge or use of fall protection systems or equipment indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill. – 90
5. 1926.503(c): “Retraining.” When the employer has reason to believe that any affected employee who has already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required by paragraph (a) of this section, the employer shall retrain each such employee. – 11

The Fallproof Training Center can help solve these violations

Let’s talk about the differences in the trainings.
Authorized User Training for fall protection is a job-specific program for employees who regularly work in areas where fall hazards exist. The training ensures these workers can identify hazards, use, inspect, and maintain fall protection systems, and follow safety procedures to work safely at heights. The training is essential for anyone performing the actual work at height, and it is often conducted by a competent person. Call for a price to train your team members at your facility or at our Training Facility where they have the freedom of hands on training and not just sit and listen.

Competent Person Training  is a course that teaches an individual with the necessary knowledge and authority to identify fall hazards, inspect fall protection systems, and ensure compliance with safety standards. This training is required for designated employees who have the responsibility to correct unsafe conditions and can take prompt corrective measures to protect workers from falls at heights of six feet or more. Call to discuss the pricing and class structures.   Availability of open enrollment classes through FallProof.com.

The takeaway:

Staying compliant with OSHA standards benefits companies far beyond avoiding fines. Strong safety programs reduce workplace injuries, which means less downtime and lower costs from accidents. Safe work conditions improve employee morale and retention, fostering a culture where workers feel valued and protected.  

These factors combine to support productivity and long-term business success. Compliance also helps companies maintain their reputations, which is essential in competitive industries that demand reliable and safe operations. 

📅 Schedule your free fall protection assessment »

📞 Let’s get started: (609)-325-5555

The function & benefits of Rigid Fall Protection Systems

November 19, 2025, 10:38 am | by Ray Nardo

What Are Rigid Fall Protection Systems?
Rigid fall protection systems refer to overhead anchorage solutions, such as fixed rails or tracks,
that provide a secure point for attaching personal fall arrest equipment. These systems are
commonly installed in environments where traditional lifelines may be impractical or
insufficient, such as factories, warehouses, aircraft maintenance bays, and loading docks.

Main Components

-Fall Protection Track: A robust, stationary rail or beam mounted overhead, often made
of steel or aluminum, that serves as the primary anchorage point.
-Trolley Device: A mobile attachment that runs along the rail, allowing workers to move
horizontally while staying safely connected.
-Harness and Self Retracting Lifeline: Personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by the
worker and connected to the trolley to arrest falls quickly with a shorter amount of free
fall and minimizing forces due to the lack of free fall.
-Mounting Structure: The framework that supports the rail or track, ensuring stability
and load-bearing capacity. This could be the building structure or a free-standing
structure designed to support the loads of the system and the fall.

How Rigid Fall Protection Systems Work
1. Anchorage: The system is firmly mounted to a structural support, such as a ceiling or
overhead beam, providing a fixed anchor point.
2. Connection: The worker wears a full-body harness connected via a self-retracting lifeline to the trolley in the rail.
3. Mobility: The trolley moves smoothly along the rail, allowing the worker to traverse the work area while remaining continuously protected.
4. Fall Arrest: In the event of a slip or fall, the rigid rail system quickly arrests the fall,
minimizing drop distance and impact forces. Unlike flexible systems, rigid rails do not sag, resulting in a shorter fall distance and enhanced safety.

Benefits of Rigid Fall Protection Systems
-Minimized Fall Distance: The rigid structure prevents sagging, reducing the distance a
worker could fall and lowering the risk of injury.
-Increased Stability: These systems offer consistent performance, unaffected by
environmental factors like wind or temperature.

-Improved Worker Mobility: Workers can move freely along the length of the rail while
remaining securely attached.
-Versatility: Rigid systems can be customized for various applications, including indoor
and outdoor environments.
-Compliance: Rigid fall protection systems are often designed to meet or exceed
regulatory standards set by OSHA and ANSI.Rigid Overhead Fixed-Track Lifelines For Maintenance Work Above Aircraft In Airplane Hangar

Common Applications

  • Aircraft maintenance
  • Railcar and truck loading/unloading
  • Manufacturing and assembly lines
  • Warehouse Applications
  • Building Maintenance

Conclusion
Rigid fall protection systems are essential for ensuring worker safety at heights. By providing a secure, stationary anchorage point and reducing fall distances, these systems help prevent serious injuries and fatalities in industrial environments. With minimal fall clearances allows for a simpler rescue plan. In most cases this results in the ability to self-rescue. All Rescue plans shall be reviewed and prepared according to the situation before work begins.

Ready to Uncover the Hidden Risks?

📅 Schedule a Safety Assessment Today »

📞 Or call us at (609)-325-5555

How Often Should You Inspect Fall Protection Systems

November 3, 2025, 1:32 pm | by Ray Nardo

Permanent Fall Protection Systems must be inspected before each use by the user and at least
annually by a Competent Person. More frequent inspections may be necessary based on manufacturer
recommendations or specific working conditions.

Before each use:

  • Who: The user of the equipment inspects the equipment.
  • What to check: Look for wear and tear as well as any tell-tales in the Fixed Lifelines, Self-
    Retracting Lifelines, Lanyards and Harnesses.
  • Action: Immediately remove any defective components from service.
  • Who Removes:  A competent person appointed by the employer who has earned that certification from a qualified trainer such as FallProof. A competent person is someone with the skills, knowledge, and experience to recognize hazards and is authorized to remove equipment from service.

What to check Annually:

  • A thorough inspection by a competent person is required by OSHA at least once
    a year. ANSI standards recommend inspections every six months or annually.
  • More often: The manufacturer’s instructions or workplace conditions may require more
    frequent inspections. Conditions may include high heat, poor air quality and the high chemical
    use in the environment.
  • Action: The inspection must be documented, and defective equipment must be removed from
    service.

We provide annual inspections of existing systems and equipment for OSHA and ANSI compliance and use state-of-the-art technologies to ensure seamless management of your inspection services. They include:

  • Instant Identification: Instead of relying on serial numbers, this system uses RFID tags and barcodes to automate the process. We scan an RFID tag and instantly know that we are inspecting the correct asset.
  • Mobile Devices: No more clipboards for inspections and audits. With a tablet or handheld device, we save time and eliminate errors that generally come with the inaccuracies of handling paperwork.
  • Web Reporting: Produce up-to-date and accurate inspection documentation immediately, 24/7, by storing your safety data and analytics securely on the web. When you partner with FallProof, we work with you to maintain your equipment so you always know you are in compliance.

Our inspectors might also perform any of the following during the annual inspection or on a scheduled follow-up service call:

  • On-site repairs
  • Replacement of components
  • Retraining on current best practices.

You can see more about Fallproof’s Fall Arrest System Certifications or

📞 Let’s get started: (609)-325-5555

OSHA Fall Protection Standards: Misconceptions can be solved with TRAINING

October 14, 2025, 8:44 am | by Ray Nardo

The Problem: Misunderstanding Fall Protection Rules

Falls remain the leading cause of worker fatalities in construction and general industry. OSHA requires fall protection at elevations of 6 feet in construction and 4 feet in general industry, but many worksites either misunderstand these thresholds or apply them inconsistently. Add to that the confusion between OSHA’s minimum standards and ANSI’s best practice guidelines, and it’s easy for a company to believe they are compliant when in reality their workers are still at risk.

Why These Problems Exist

  • OSHA vs. ANSI: OSHA standards are law, but they often lag behind industry advances. ANSI standards are voluntary, but they represent the most current thinking on safety. For example:
    • OSHA requires that anchor points support 5,000 pounds per worker, but ANSI clarifies how those anchors should be tested and applied.
    • OSHA requires that a worker’s fall arrest system limit free fall to 6 feet, while ANSI outlines stricter maximum arresting forces to reduce injury risk.
  • Training Gaps: Equipment alone doesn’t keep workers safe. If a worker doesn’t know how to inspect their harness, calculate fall clearance, or recognize when a system is improperly installed, the protection fails.
  • Site Misconceptions: Supervisors often assume that a “competent person” just means someone with experience, when OSHA requires that person to be trained to identify hazards and authorized to correct them.

These gaps create unsafe environments where a single misstep can lead to a catastrophic fall.

The Correct Solution: Training That Translates Standards Into Practice

This is where structured, hands-on training becomes non-negotiable. FallProof Systems integrates OSHA and ANSI requirements directly into the following programs:

Fall Protection Competent Person Training

  • Teaches supervisors and managers how to recognize fall hazards, evaluate systems, and take corrective action.
  • Meets OSHA’s requirement that a competent person be present on job sites.
  • Covers both OSHA’s baseline and ANSI’s stricter criteria so leaders can exceed compliance.

Authorized User Training

  • Gives workers the practical skills to use personal fall arrest systems, harnesses, lanyards, and SRLs correctly.
  • Includes pre-use equipment inspection, anchor point selection and fall clearance calculation.
  • Reduces the likelihood of improper use, which is a leading cause of harness failure.

General Awareness Training

  • Designed for teams, facility staff, or contractors who need an overview of fall hazards.
  • Builds company-wide awareness so safety isn’t just the responsibility of supervisors.
  • Creates a stronger safety culture across the organization.

How FallProof Integrates Into the Solution

At FallProof Systems, we do more than design and install equipment. We make sure your workforce understands how OSHA and ANSI standards apply to their daily tasks. Training is offered at our Trenton, NJ training center or directly at your facility for convenience. Every class is led by Ray, who brings years of industry knowledge and the ability to translate dense regulations into practical, actionable steps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The benefits go beyond compliance:

  • Lower risk of OSHA citations and fines.
  • Fewer accidents and injuries on the job.
  • Increased worker confidence and productivity.
  • A stronger reputation as a safety-focused employer.

Don’t let confusion over OSHA and ANSI requirements put your workers at risk. Equip your team with the knowledge and confidence to work safely at height.  Contact FallProof Systems today to schedule Competent Person, Authorized User, or General Awareness training.

📞 Let’s get started: (609)-325-5555

Retrofit vs. New Construction: Fall Protection for Every Stage

September 29, 2025, 10:17 am | by Ray Nardo

Why Fall Protection Must Be Planned Early

Falls remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities. According to OSHA, falls account for more than 30% of all construction-related deaths annually. Whether you’re designing a new facility or managing an existing one, planning for fall protection early is critical.

The approach to fall protection often differs between new construction projects and retrofitting existing facilities — but in both cases, having a well-engineered, OSHA-compliant solution can reduce risk, lower costs, and protect your workers.

Understanding OSHA & ANSI Standards

When planning fall protection, compliance with OSHA and ANSI standards is essential:
• OSHA 1910 Subpart D – Walking-Working Surfaces
• OSHA 1926 Subpart M – Construction Fall Protection
• OSHA 1910.28 – Duty to Provide Fall Protection
• OSHA 1910.140 – Personal Fall Protection Systems
• ANSI Z359.6 – Specifications & Design Requirements for Active Fall Protection Systems
• ANSI Z359.18 – Anchorages & Certification Guidelines

Understanding these standards ensures your systems are safe, compliant, and properly documented.

Fall Protection for New Construction Projects

New construction provides the unique advantage of integrating fall protection systems into the initial design phase. By working alongside structural engineers, FallProof can ensure permanent anchors, guardrails, and horizontal lifelines are seamlessly incorporated into the building structure.

Benefits include:
• Lower installation costs
• Faster OSHA certification
• Reduced retrofit expenses down the road

For example, if roof anchors are installed during steel fabrication, they become part of the structural design rather than requiring expensive retrofitted solutions later.

Fall Protection for Retrofit Applications

For existing facilities, retrofitting fall protection comes with its own set of challenges. These may include limited structural load capacities, existing roof membranes, HVAC equipment, and facility downtime concerns.

FallProof specializes in providing custom-engineered retrofit solutions that balance safety, cost, and operational continuity. Our team designs, installs, and certifies retrofit systems while minimizing disruption to your operations.

Cost & Liability Comparison

Delaying fall protection until after construction often results in higher overall costs. Retrofitting requires additional engineering, material adjustments, and installation challenges that can significantly increase expenses. Additionally, operating without proper fall protection exposes companies to OSHA fines, potential lawsuits, and reputational risks.

By planning fall protection during the design phase, facility owners can achieve significant cost savings and ensure long-term compliance.

Case Study: Engineered Rigid Anchor Track & Single-Point Anchors

  • Client: Nestlé Waters – Breinigsville, PA 18031
    • Challenge: Multiple elevated work areas lacked OSHA-compliant fall protection for technicians maintaining overhead equipment.
    • Solution: FallProof performed a comprehensive hazard assessment and installed a combination of rigid anchor tracks and engineered single-point anchors. All systems were designed with certified drawings to meet ANSI Z359.6 specifications and OSHA Subpart D/M requirements.
    • Results: Zero fall incidents since installation, 100% compliance, and predictable long-term maintenance costs through our annual inspection program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Partner with FallProof Systems

FallProof Systems offers end-to-end expertise in engineered fall protection solutions, from initial hazard assessments to certified designs and multi-year maintenance programs.

Our services include:
• Engineered system design & certification
• Annual inspections and multi-year support agreements
• Discounted soft goods, including harnesses and SRLs
• New partnership with Never Let Go for tool tethering solutions

We help facilities remain compliant, safe, and efficient year after year.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Whether you’re managing a new construction project or upgrading an existing facility, fall protection planning must be a priority from the start. The cost of non-compliance is high, but the cost of prevention is manageable with the right partner.

Contact FallProof Systems today for a free safety assessment and consultation to determine the best fall protection solutions for your facility.

📅 Schedule your free fall protection assessment »

📞 Let’s get started: (609)-325-5555

The Rooftop Risk You Can’t See from the Ground

September 15, 2025, 12:41 pm | by Ray Nardo

From the street, your building’s roof might look safe enough — flat, quiet, and far from any immediate danger. But step onto that rooftop, and the picture changes fast.

For countless property owners and facility managers, one of the most serious fall hazards is hiding in plain sight: rooftop HVAC units, vents, antennas, or other equipment located dangerously close to unprotected edges.

Why It’s More Dangerous Than You Think

Contractors and maintenance staff often need to work within a few feet of the roof edge to service equipment. They’re focused on repairs, not their footing — and that distraction is all it takes for a serious or fatal fall.

OSHA’s general fall protection requirement under 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(13) states that employers must ensure workers on a low-slope roof within 15 feet of an unprotected edge are protected by a guardrail, safety net, or personal fall arrest system. That means even if your rooftop equipment isn’t right at the edge, you may still be out of compliance.

The Real Costs of Overlooking Rooftop Safety

  • Regulatory fines: OSHA citations for fall protection violations can exceed $16,000 per instance.
  • Legal liability: One accident can lead to lawsuits, increased insurance premiums, and damage to your company’s reputation.
  • Operational downtime: A fall incident can shut down rooftop access, delaying critical repairs and disrupting tenants.

Permanent Rooftop Guardrail: The Compliant, Low-Maintenance Fix

Unlike temporary measures like warning lines or harness tie-offs, a permanent rooftop guardrail system:

  • Meets OSHA requirements year-round
  • Protects all workers, employees, contractors, and visitors without special training or PPE
  • Requires no ongoing adjustment or setup before each job
  • Blends with the building’s architecture to maintain a professional look

Per 29 CFR 1910.29(b), a compliant guardrail must:

  • Have a top rail height of 42 inches ± 3 inches above the walking/working surface
  • Include a mid-rail halfway between the top rail and the working surface
  • Withstand at least 200 pounds of force applied outward or downward

A Safer Roof, A Safer Business

By addressing rooftop hazards now, you’re not just complying with OSHA — you’re preventing accidents, protecting your people, and avoiding costly disruptions.

FallProof Systems specializes in engineered rooftop guardrail solutions tailored to your building and your budget. Our turnkey service covers assessment, design, installation, and inspection — so you can focus on running your business, not managing safety risks.

Ready to Uncover the Hidden Risks?

Let us help you turn blind spots into protected zones.
📅 Schedule a Safety Assessment Today »

📞 Or call us at (609)-325-5555

3 Simple Steps To Prevent Unnecessary Tragedies

August 27, 2025, 4:13 pm | by Ray Nardo

Falls continue to be the leading cause of death in the construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 865 fatalities due to slips, trips and falls in 2022. Sadly, 700 of these fatalities were the result of falls from elevated heights, such as ladders or roofs, to lower levels. That is almost two worker fatalities every day, on average, from falls to lower levels. These alarming statistics are a great concern!!   Four out of the Top 10 Violations are in the Fall Protection World.

Employers play a crucial role in making sure safety measures are followed. While circumstances may vary for each incident, here are 3 simple steps they can and should take to prevent these unnecessary tragedies.

  • Plan ahead to get the job done safely – Employers and supervisors overseeing work at heights should proactively plan projects and integrate safety from the beginning. For example, if the surface is slippery or if the winds are strong, does the work need to be done at that time? What can be done to mitigate hazards?

Examine the work site proactively to identify potential hazards and obstacles. Prioritizing safety from the planning stage allows the teams to adapt and reprioritize efforts and resources as needed.

Make sure your JHA/JSA/Safety Plan is current, and all parties understand the current hazards as the construction changes.

Violation #1 Fall Protection 1926.501

  • Proper PPE – Workers exposed to fall hazards must have the appropriate tools and equipment for their work conditions. Equip workers with fall prevention safety-compliant equipment such as anchor systems, guardrails, proper scaffolding, personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) and correctly fitted harnesses.

Keep in mind protective equipment designed for men may not adequately fit or provide proper protection for women. Ensure construction workers of all sizes are fitted properly with safety gear and are trained to wear it properly.

Violation #7 Fall Protection Training Requirements 1926.503

  • Train everyone. Every worker must be trained to use the equipment to do the job safely. Training should cover safety practices, emergency procedures and correct equipment usage in a language they understand. Imagine a scenario where workers hear a site manager training them say, “Make sure you tie-off” when working at a height. Now imagine those workers understanding that to mean “take the tie off” and remove a rope rather than ensuring they are secured to a point that will keep them from falling to a lower level. Clear communication that workers understand is paramount to ensuring that workers can perform their jobs safely and effectively.

Always have a plan to provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or ensure that employees know how to rescue themselves.

We must do more to protect these workers. Employers and supervisors should lead by example when it comes to worker safety. Encourage and motivate safety compliance as a core value through safety programs that promote a safety-conscious culture and reward employees for helping make their workplaces safer.

Let’s work together to prevent fall hazards and remind everyone to prioritize safety management systems. These simple yet critical actions can make all the difference in saving lives.

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How FallProof Solves “Impossible” Safety Challenges

August 17, 2025, 6:43 pm | by Ray Nardo

What looks impossible to others is just another puzzle to us.
There are some projects where you look at the space and think, “There’s no way we
can install fall protection here.” That’s where FallProof Systems shines.
We specialize in solving problems that leave other providers scratching their heads —
and we’ve got the success stories to prove it.

Common “Impossible” Scenarios
 No structural overhead support for lifeline systems
 Continuous machine operation — no downtime available
 Facility access restrictions (tight quarters, live wires, historic preservation)
 Non-penetrating solutions needed (no anchoring allowed)

Swing Arm With Fixed-Track Lifeline While Loading In Steel Manufacturing Plant

How We Make It Possible
Our process is what makes the difference:
1. Field Engineering & 2D Modeling
2. Structural Load Evaluation
3. Creative Design Solutions — like offset anchors, freestanding bases, or
modular track systems
4. Turnkey Installation with minimal facility disruption

Real-World Example:

One of our clients had a blow-mold machine jammed into a corner with no anchor points
and no clearance for scaffolding. We engineered a cantilevered rigid track system
from adjacent structural steel — installed on a weekend to avoid downtime.

 

Stuck with a “No Way” Project?
We’ll find a way
📅 Request a site evaluation now

📞 Or call us at (609)-325-5555

Final Thought
Fall protection isn’t about avoiding risk — it’s about engineering solutions that eliminate it.

Turnkey Fall Protection Projects from Start to Finish

August 4, 2025, 5:36 pm | by Ray Nardo

From Inspection to Installation: A Turnkey Project Walkthrough
Fall protection made simple — because you’ve got enough on your plate.
At FallProof Systems, we don’t just design safety solutions — we deliver them, from your
first call to the final bolt.
If you’ve never partnered with us before, here’s what you can expect from a turnkey fall
protection project.

Step 1: Site Inspection and Hazard Assessment
We walk your facility, take measurements, and identify both compliance issues and
operational risks. Our team documents hazards you may not have even considered.

Rigid Lifeline Foldaway Track Fall Protection System

Step 2: Engineering and System Design
Once we understand the space, we design a system that fits — structurally and
operationally. That includes load analysis, OSHA compliance, and workflow
considerations.
You’ll receive:
-Engineered drawings
-Anchor point layout
-System specs and materials

Step 3: Fabrication and Delivery

Our in-house team fabricates custom components to your exact specs — rails,
brackets, mounts, platforms — ready to install with minimal downtime.

Step 4: Installation and Training
Our trained installers show up, get to work, and leave your facility safer than they found
it. We also provide user training and documentation to close the loop.

Demonstration during competent person training.

Why Go Turnkey?
-Single point of contact
-No finger-pointing between vendors
-Faster timeline and better accountability
-Seamless compliance

Schedule your free fall protection assessment »
Let’s get started: (609)-325-5555

Final Thought
You don’t need a dozen vendors — just the right partner. From walkthrough to walk-off,
FallProof is with you every step of the way.

Custom Fall Protection: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All

July 22, 2025, 9:30 pm | by Ray Nardo

Custom Fall Protection Solutions for Unique Work Environments

Custom Fall Protection: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All?
Because safety should adapt to your environment — not the other way around.
Every facility is different. Whether you’re working in a steel mill, food processing plant, warehouse, or on a historic rooftop, one thing is always true: standard fall protection doesn’t cut it.
At FallProof Systems, we know that protecting workers means designing systems that match the environment, operations, and hazards of each specific site.

When “Off-the-Shelf” Doesn’t Work –
Pre-engineered systems often fail in facilities that have:

  • Obstructions like overhead cranes, piping, or ductwork
  • Unusual rooftop elevations or fragile surfaces
  • Tight maintenance access paths
  • Historic structures or visually sensitive environments

What Custom Fall Protection Looks Like –
A truly custom solution includes:

  • Engineering analysis of structure and workflow
  • Unique layout designs based on field measurements
  • Custom-fabricated equipment (rails, anchors, platforms)
  • Seamless integration into existing infrastructure
    It’s not just about compliance — it’s about real-world usability.

Real Results from Custom Designs
We’ve designed systems for:

  • Protecting tanker truck hatches on uneven loading pads
  • Installing track systems over machines that never stop running
  • Adding fall safety to 100-year-old rooftops without permanent alteration

Let’s Build the Right Fit
Custom doesn’t mean complicated. With FallProof’s turnkey process, we handle everything — from site visit to install.
📅 Schedule a custom fall protection consultation »
📞 Or call us at (609)-325-5555

Final Word
When it comes to fall protection, a tailored solution isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.