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Despite special emphasis programs from OSHA and increasingly sophisticated fall protection equipment, falls from heights remain a serious occupational safety challenge. In 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that fatal work injuries involving falls increased 5 percent after a sharp decrease in 2005. The 809 fatal falls in 2006 represent the third highest total since 1992, when the fatality census began. Fatal falls from roofs increased from 160 fatalities in 2005 to 184 in 2006, a rise of 15 percent. Falls from ladders and roofs still account for the majority of falls. Occupational fatalities caused by falls remain a serious public health problem. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) lists falls as one of the leading causes of traumatic occupational death, accounting for 8 percent of all occupational fatalities from trauma. Falls are the most frequent cause of fatalities at construction sites and annually account for one of every three construction-related deaths. According to preliminary 2007 fatality data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were at least 442 construction worker fatalities during 2007 as a result of falls from all causes. Of this total, falls from roofs are one specific concern at construction sites and the most frequent cause for fatal falls in construction in 2007. In fact, BLS reports that from 2003 to 2007, construction worker falls from roofs resulted in 686 fatalities. Identifying fall hazards and deciding how best to protect workers is the first step in reducing or eliminating fall hazards. OSHA mandates that at any time a worker is at a height of 4 feet or more, the worker is at risk and needs to be protected. Fall protection must be provided at 4 feet in general industry, 5 feet in maritime and 6 feet in construction.
PROTECTING WORKERS
There are a number of ways to protect workers from falls, including conventional systems such as guardrail systems, safety net systems and personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) (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 need for consistency in using fall protection often is ignored. It is important to have a plan and implement it, and that means wearing fall protection equipment every day. The plan should include identification and evaluation of fall hazards and their elimination, if possible; the use of appropriate fall-protection systems to prevent or control falls when hazards can't be eliminated; ensuring that employees receive fall-protection training; and inspecting and maintaining equipment.
The nature of fall hazards at the work site. Procedures for erecting, maintaining and disassembling fall protection systems and personal fall arrest systems. How to use and operate fall- protection systems and personal fall arrest systems. The role of each employee who may be affected by a safety- monitoring system. The restrictions that apply to mechanical equipment used during roofing work. The procedure for handling and storing materials and for erecting protection from falling objects. OSHA's fall protection standards.
An anchorage should be positioned directly overhead whenever possible to avoid a swing fall injury and anchorages should be selected based on how a rescue would be performed.
Identify all potential tripping and fall hazards before work starts. Look for fall hazards such as unprotected floor openings/ edges, shafts, skylights, stairwells and roof openings/ edges. Inspect fall protection equipment for defects before use. Select, wear and use fall protection equipment appropriate for the task. Secure and stabilize all ladders before climbing them. Never stand on the top rung/ step of a ladder. Use handrails when you go up or down stairs. Practice good housekeeping. Keep cords, welding leads and air hoses out of walkways or adjacent work areas.
Make fall protection part of your workplace safety and health program.
Be committed to preventing and controlling fall hazards. Identify and evaluate fall hazards. Eliminate fall hazards, if possible. Use appropriate fall-protection systems to prevent or control falls when hazards can't be eliminated. Report fall hazards and suggest how to control them. Ensure that employees receive fall-protection training. Inspect and maintain equipment. Know how to respond promptly to emergencies. Understand regulations related to fall-protection requirements. Enforce safe work procedures and practices. Investigate all falls and near-miss incidents. Evaluate fall-protection procedures regularly. Source: Oregon OSHA