These workers are using fall protection equipment, and you should too!
According to Occupational Health & Safety the leading cause of death for workers in residential construction is falls. In fact, on average, 40 workers each year are killed by falls.
To help decrease these numbers, OSHA has issued a new fall protection regulation (1926.501) which requires those working 6 feet or more above the lower level of a structure must use OSHA-acceptable forms of fall protection.
So what kinds of fall protection equipment do workers need to stay safe and compliant with the changes?
- Harness: Harnesses loop or are buckled around the worker’s body. They allow ropes or lanyards to be attacked to the worker. In the event of a fall, the harness distributes pressure across the body, preventing serious injury.
- Lanyards: Usually a rope or cord that attach the harness to a solid foundation. If a worker slips, a lanyard would prevent them from falling.
- Anchors: Anchors attach to walls, roofs or other areas to serve a foundation to prevent falls. Usually, lanyards attach a harness to an anchor.
- Carabiners: Steel carabiners can be used to attach ropes or lanyards to a harness for extra protection.
The new regulation takes effect on December 15. Be sure to conduct your own compliance check well ahead of then to make sure you and your workers have the knowledge, training and tools to stay compliant.
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