Importance of Fall Protection in Construction

Fall protection is crucial in the construction industry due to the high risk of severe injuries and fatalities associated with falls from heights. As such, falls are one of the most common workplace injuries at construction sites. Of all construction fatalities in 2020, 35% were attributed to a fall. They are also ranked at the top of the list of the most common violations of OSHA workplace safety regulations. Prioritizing fall protection measures is essential for safeguarding the well-being of government construction workers and mitigating potential risks.

When to Consider Fall Protection

Falls from any height can cause significant injury, depending on how strenuous a position is required for the task. Preventative measures can help at any height, but protection must be in place when the task places government employees six feet or higher above the ground they are working over.

Fall Protection Devices and Systems Must be in Good Operating Condition

The protection against falling is only as good as the condition of the protection system or device used. While a high-quality system will generally require minimal maintenance, a pre-shift inspection is required by OSHA to ensure everything is in good working order. At a minimum, these inspections should ensure the following:

Wear and tear – As the system is used, and especially if it has prevented a fall, wear and tear may degrade its prevention ability.
Environment – Depending on the environment, specific conditions may cause more rapid equipment degradation. Mildew, dry rot, and mold can all affect the system’s effectiveness.
Components – Not only should the condition of the system components be checked, but the inspection should also ensure they are compatible with personal protection equipment.

What to Look for In Fall Protection Systems and Devices

There is a wide variety of protection systems that help prevent falls. Depending on the situation or setup of the site, certain requirements may determine which system is in place. These include guardrails, nets, barricades, and covers.

Where Fall Protection Systems or Devices Should Be Used

While fall protection systems at any height can help increase safety around a construction site, OSHA 1926.501 outlines how and where these systems are to be installed and operated. Some of the most common of these include the slopes of roofs, openings in walls, hoist areas, and unprotected edges or sides of walkways or working surfaces.

How Fall Protection Around Construction Sites Can Help

Fall protection is crucial for city government employees who work at heights or in environments where fall hazards exist. While often associated with construction workers, it is equally crucial for various municipal roles, including maintenance workers, inspectors, and public works employees.

State and local governments are responsible for ensuring the safety of their workforce. This responsibility extends to providing adequate fall protection measures for government employees who may be exposed to fall hazards in the course of their duties. These hazards can exist in numerous municipal work environments, such as:

Building maintenance and repairs
Bridge inspections and maintenance
Tree trimming and landscaping
Water tower inspections and maintenance
Roof inspections on government buildings
Streetlight and traffic signal maintenance
Storm drain cleaning and maintenance

Work Interruption

Falls and associated injuries can dramatically negatively affect a construction site. Especially when serious injuries occur, the loss of productivity from the work interruption can significantly impact timelines, project completion, and overall quality of the work.

Compliance With Regulations and Laws

The regulations and laws established by the US Code and other governmental organizations, such as OSHA, are mandatory. Many of these also include audit or inspection schedules to ensure the appropriate fall protection systems are installed, they are all in good working order, and components or entire systems are replaced as needed.

Employee Morale

A workplace injury can negatively impact the morale of government employees. When safety is demonstrated as a top priority, it can help reduce the worries and anxiety among government employees and organizations and help make them feel valued. Demonstrating that the safety of government employees is a top priority can also positively raise the public perception of their local government.

How To Create a Fall Protection Plan at The Worksite

Many applicable laws and regulations include general processes and plans for installing the proper fall protection devices and systems. However, the more effective time spent developing a fall protection plan for the construction site, the more protection workers will receive. Here are a few ideas to help maximize the benefits of a Fall Protection Plan and protect government employees working at a construction site.

Site Risk Assessment

Falls from any height can cause significant injury and impact the success of the construction site. By conducting a risk assessment that considers the heights and surfaces where work will be performed, the best fall protection devices and systems can be installed.

Training

As there are many types of fall protection available, comprehensive training will ensure all workers utilize the devices and systems appropriately. This will maximize their effectiveness and ability to protect from falls.

Ongoing Reviews

Along with the pre-shift inspections and audits required by OSHA and other regulations, periodic reviews of the fall protection plan help ensure they provide the highest level of protection. These reviews can also show adjustments and improvements that can be made.

Learn More About Fall Protection Systems and Plans

For the past 25 years, Enterprise Training Solutions (ETS) has offered online training to the public sector to help keep your workforce informed about fall risks and safety measures. To learn more about courses available through ETS, go to: https://enterprisetraining.com/catalog/design-construction-and-safety-solution/