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Fall Protection |
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| Hazards and
Possible Solutions |
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There are a number of ways to protect workers from falls
including conventional systems such as guardrail systems, safety net systems and
personal fall protection systems (fall arrest systems, positioning systems and
travel restraint systems) as well as through the use of safe work practices and
training. The use of warning lines, designated areas, control zones and similar
systems are permitted by OSHA in some situations and can provide protection by
limiting the number of workers exposed and instituting safe work methods and
procedures. These alternative systems may be more appropriate than conventional
fall protection systems when performing certain activities. Whether conducting a
hazard assessment or developing a comprehensive fall protection plan, thinking
about fall hazards before the work begins will help to manage fall hazards and
focus attention on prevention efforts. If personal fall protection systems are
used, particular attention should be given to identifying attachment points and
to ensuring that employees know how to properly don and inspect the equipment.
The following references aid in recognizing and evaluating
hazards and possible solutions in the workplace.
- Fall Protection for Aboveground Storage Tanks. OSHA
and the Safe Tank Alliance, 212 KB
PDF,
2 pages. Describes general safety tips to help prevent
fall-related injuries to those working in and around aboveground storage tanks.
- Fall Protection Safety Tips Sheets for Employers and Employees. OSHA
and the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Alliance, 26 KB
PDF,
2 pages. Describes general safety tips to help prevent fall-related injuries.
- Suspension Trauma/Orthostatic Intolerance. OSHA Safety and Health
Information Bulletin (SHIB), (2004, March 24). Also available as a 30 KB
PDF, 4 pages. Provides employees and employers with important information
about the hazards of orthostatic intolerance and suspension trauma when using
fall arrest systems.
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Stairways and Ladders: A Guide to OSHA Rules. OSHA Publication 3124-12R, (2003).
Also available as a 278 KB PDF,
15 pages. Includes fall protection topics for
stairways and ladders.
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Care
of Safety Belts, Harnesses, and Lanyards. Canadian Center
for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS),
(1999, May 10). Provides a question and answer document regarding the
proper care and use of fall protection equipment.
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What's the Fall Distance? OSHA Video, (1998), 22 minutes.
Links to a video that introduces the viewer to fall distance
calculations for personal fall arrest systems.
- NIOSH
Issues Nationwide Alert on Dangers of Tree Trimming. US Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS), National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 93-122, (1992,
December 7).
Discusses the dangers of tree trimming.
- Preventing
Falls and Electrocutions During Tree Trimming. US Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Publication No. 92-106, (1992, August). Describes eight incidents involving five electrocutions and three
fatal falls of tree trimmers.
- Preventing Worker Deaths and Injuries from Falls Through Skylights and Roof Openings.
US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 90-100, (1989, December).
Describes eight deaths resulting from falls that occurred during
work around these openings.
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OSHA and Lamar Bridgeport Alliance Working to
Improve Safety and Health of the Outdoor Advertising Industry’s Employees. OSHA
Region 1 Success Stories, (2004 November 30). Describes how fall protection has
helped to save contractors from harm in billboard-related
incidents. Through the Region I, and Lamar Alliance, billboard
owners are training their contractors on fall protection and fall
retrieval.
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Fall Protection Publications. Oregon OSHA. Includes fall
protection publications for the construction industry, for setting
and bracing wood trusses and rafters, for setting floor joists,
sheathing/decking, and constructing exterior walls, options for
specialty contractors, temporary elevated work platforms, and
walking working surfaces.
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For additional information on general health and safety concerns,
see OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Pages on:
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