Safety Tidbit #37 – National Safety Stand-Down for Fall Protection in Construction

Safety Tidbit #37 – National Safety Stand-Down for Fall Protection in Construction

Material taken from OSHA’s A Guide for Employer’s to Give Fall Protection Training to Workers

Having a serious injury or death occur at work affects everyone at a worksite.

Falls cause more deaths in construction than any other hazard. In 2011, falls accounted for over a third of the 721 total construction deaths. Workers performing tasks 6 feet or more above lower levels are at risk of fatal falls or serious injuries. Remember: A fall can occur in a split second without any time for the worker to react.

Many construction workers perform tasks at a height that requires protection from fall hazards. Preventing falls can mean the difference between life and death. You can prevent such deaths by planning to get the job done safely, providing the right fall protection equipment, and training all workers to use the equipment safely.

What are the three main topics for Fall Protection training?

Ladder Safety (I also discuss this in Safety Tidbit #5)

Scaffolding Safety

Roofing Work

What do all of these have in common? 

Planning (Engineer out the problem or implement proper work practice controls)

Fall Protection Equipment (PPE)

Training (Knowledge is key to making it all work and getting safely home)

Please consider participating the National Safety Stand-Down To Prevent Falls in Construction May 2-6, 2016. Or, have your own stand-down at the beginning of your busy construction season to get everyone motivated and educated.

Thank you for reading!  Be safe out there!