In this blog we will continue to discuss the hierarchy of fall protection and another way for employers to protect their workers. As previously noted, each fall risk situation should be analyzed on a case by case basis so it is important to understand the work being performed, access to the work area, and the frequency of the work. Here, we will discuss the 3^rd solution on the hierarchy of fall protection pyramid- Fall Restraint Systems also known as Travel Restraint Systems.  Sometimes, Passive Fall Protection Systems- like guardrail- which was discussed in last month’s blog- is not an option and is why an employer moves to the next option on the hierarchy- a Fall Restraint System. Read more.

As discussed in last month’s blog understanding the hierarchy of fall protection will help an employer and employees who are working at heights make their work environment as safe as possible. In this blog we will talk a little more about Fall Prevention Systems which is second on the hierarchy of fall protection. Fall Prevention Systems are second on the hierarchy because the first solution– Elimination- preventing access or removing the hazards is always the safest and best first solution. For instance, removing an air handler from the roof to the ground or replacing a ladder with a stairway are ways to eliminate the fall hazard. Ideally, the safest option to ensure worker safety is to completely eliminate the fall hazard. However, if this not possible a Fall Prevention System can be installed to create a barrier which is another way of eliminating the hazard. Read more.

Understanding the hierarchy of fall protection is important because it allows companies to make the best possible choice in protecting their workers who are working at heights. FallProof Systems can help your company in understating this hierarchy; identify fall risks and hazards and then offer solutions. Read more.

A common item found throughout many workplaces is the fixed ladder and it can be easily overlooked until the time comes when it is needed. We may pass by them each day without much thought, but when the time comes and the ladder is needed, we want to be sure we are protected. OSHA put out new safety guidelines in January of 2017 for all fixed ladder systems in the new Walking -Working Surfaces Standard to help provide more protection for you, the workers of America. All general industries are affected by the changes and revisions to the guidelines for fall protection systems and other safety features. Read more.

FallProof single point anchors provide a cost effective fall protection in manufacturing plants, distribution centers, steel mills, and other industrial facilities. Typical applications for single point anchors include manufacturing equipment maintenance, routine maintenance on elevated equipment, heavy equipment manufacturing, and processing equipment in food manufacturing. Other applications include access to tops of storage tanks, safe access to security cameras and other equipment mounted near a roof edge. Single point anchors also provided fall protection for workers where ceiling features such as pipes or air ducts prevent the installation of long run horizontal lifelines and rigid track systems. An often overlooked use of SPAs is to provide an anchor for a rescue and retrieval system which is required by OSHA as part of a complete fall protection plan. The single point anchor is a versatile fall protection application that offers a variety of solutions for different industries.
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Fall protection anchor points are a versatile tool that with proper design, installation and use can protect workers in a variety of situations. Without all three of these factors being present, there is the possibility that a worker may have the illusion of being protected with the reality of being no more safe than working without any fall protection at all. Read more.

Numerous fall protection design and engineering challenges are presented for guardrail systems installation on multi-level rooftops. This article discusses the issues faced by designers, engineers and individuals responsible for the installation. Read more.

Much Forethought Goes Into Proper Fall Protection Installation

From a fall protection installation standpoint, the primary goal of the system being installed is to protect workers. The objectives are to get the right system, at the right price, installed on time and on budget, with minimal disruption to the normal activities of the business. Read more.

Pre-Plan Fall Protection On New Construction During The Design Phase

For new construction projects, we are often asked to bid on procurement and installation of fall protection equipment. All too often, we find that it is treated as an afterthought, rather than an integral component of a well-designed building. We are alarmed whenever a contractor who has asked us to bid a project says, “They will add that later”, when we point out that the plans and specifications either say nothing about fall protection, or mention it without providing any scope, location or other layout information. Read more.

When discussing the effectiveness of certain types of fall protection equipment, there is a debate going on these days over which type of connector is best: self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) or 6-foot shock absorbing lanyards (the connector is the device that links the body harness to an anchorage, such as an overhead fixed track or single-point anchor points). It is our opinion that SRLs are the best type of connector. Yes, lanyards are less expensive, but SRLs provide more effective fall protection, and are worth the extra money you spend. Read more.