ABC Safety Glasses Posting Page
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Anyone that works on ladders, scaffolding or other type of industry that requires work be performed off the ground, is in danger of falling. A sobering statistic shows that falls are the number one killer in construction and for the past few years the number has been rising as not enough people take the proper precautions to avoid falling scenarios.

As of December 2005, over 1200 construction workers were killed in on the job injuries. More than a third were killed in fall related accidents. A statistic that wasn't reported was the number of workers that survive their fall and must live with crippling injuries for the rest of their lives.

OSHA has created a general safety guideline for protection against falling. The standard that is set generally requires the employer to have at least one type of fall protection in place. The types of protection fall into three main ways to protect workers. A guardrail, safety net or personal fall arrest system – for every worker exposed to a possible fall of six or more feet. By way of exception, fall protection is required on scaffolds ten feet or taller, and roofers must have warning lines. ** Fall Protection

Wearing a harness with lanyards for line attachments isn't required but it's a very good idea for anyone that is working above the ground. A lanyard attached to the harness will hold a line and the line is anchored nearby where you are working. If you happen to trip or slip, the line will catch you and the harness will hold you. Falling or slipping is never fun but when you merely hurt your pride for doing it in front of your co-workers instead of possibly dying or becoming critically injured from a fall, being embarrassed for a short period of time will seem like a very small thing. ** Lifelines and Lanyards - Fall Protection

Working on a ladder comes with its own set of safety rules. Generally, workers should never lean on a ladder in a way that tilts it to one side or the other. Make sure a ladder is set up safely before you climb it. Ladders that are unsteady or don't have both feet on the ground can be a falling hazard. Never climb a ladder you even suspect isn't safe, following your instincts is usually a good idea,
Walk your work site often and look for hazards on the job and address them. Also, put a safety policy in writing. If you require certain safety equipment to be worn on the job, you are within your rights to ask the employee to comply. It's important that you make your working environment safe for your employees; by doing so you will not only establish a great place to work, you will also lower your Worker's Compensation claims.