Fall Protection and Prevention

[Audio] Good morning everyone. Today, we are going to discuss the importance of fall protection and prevention. We will be covering the seriousness of falls, fall protection planning, components of a fall arrest system, and the hierarchy of fall protection solutions. Let's get started by taking a look at the A, B, C's of life..

[Audio] Good morning, everyone. As we can see in this slide, fall protection and prevention is a serious matter, and today, we will be discussing adding to our knowledge of safe practices by examining the A, B, C’s to life. Before we go any further, I'd like to make sure everyone is aware of the disclaimer. This material was produced under SH-05073-SH8 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U S Department of Labor. It's important to know that the contents of this presentation do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U S Department of Labor, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U S Government. With that out of the way, let's dive into our discussion of fall protection and prevention..

[Audio] Falls from heights are one of the most common and serious workplace hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide fall protection whenever a worker may be exposed to a fall of six feet or more. It is important to be aware of the situation and take the necessary steps to keep workers safe. In this slide, we will cover the seriousness of falls, fall protection planning, and the components of a fall arrest system. Let's get started!.

[Audio] Falls from high places are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities, and it is our responsibility to prevent them when possible. In this module, we will learn how to plan for fall protection, and what components are required for a reliable fall arrest system. This includes understanding the seriousness of falls, and the need for proper safety equipment and training..

[Audio] Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, accounting for 38.7% of total deaths in 2016. This represents more than a third of all fatalities in the construction industry that year. Adhering to fall protection and prevention procedures is essential to keep workers safe. Creating and maintaining a culture of safety can reduce the annual death toll from falls..

[Audio] Falls are a significant hazard in the construction industry, accounting for five of the top causes of injury and fatalities. The most common type of fatality, accounting for 41 percent of cases, is traumatic brain injury (TBI). To ensure everyone stays safe, it is important to invest in the necessary equipment and to properly train your employees on the use of fall prevention safety harnesses. Doing so will help protect yourself and your staff from life-threatening accidents..

[Audio] Fall protection is an essential element of a secure work atmosphere. This slide illustrates the significance of fall protection and avoidance, in particular in the construction sector. According to the text, falls from three meters tall can be hazardous, while falls from four storeys or higher can result in fatality. It follows that everyone in the construction sector must wear the right protective gear and take the necessary measures to stop falls. This will help guarantee a safe setting for everyone and stop serious injury or death from happening..

[Audio] As you can see, this slide is about fall prevention and protection. To keep everyone safe, it provides some strategies. Emphasizing education and training is essential to ensure everyone is aware of the risks and hazards associated with falls. We should also strive to create safer working environments, prioritize fall-related research to gain insights on best practices, and set effective policies to reduce the risk of falling. This information comes from the World Health Organization..

[Audio] Falls are a major risk in the workplace, with the potential to cause very serious injuries or even death. It is essential to have proper fall protection planning to ensure a safe working environment. Workers need to be aware of the components of a fall arrest system, such as guardrails, personal protective equipment, and warning systems, and how to use them properly in order to avoid falls..

[Audio] Fall protection and prevention is an essential part of ensuring safety in many workplaces, particularly those with construction sites. Eliminating the fall hazard should always be the first step. However, when this is not feasible, there are various solutions that can be implemented to guarantee safety. This is known as the hierarchy of fall protection, which outlines the most effective procedure as eliminating the fall hazard, followed by passive fall restraint, active fall restraint, active fall arrest, and administrative controls. Although administrative controls should be the last resort, these solutions can help to create a safe working environment..

[Audio] When it comes to Fall Protection, planning is essential. The first step is to look for ways to eliminate or substitute the hazard. If this is not possible, the hierarchy of Fall Protection solutions is as follows: Passive Fall Restraint Systems, Active Fall Restraint Systems, Active Fall Arrest Systems, and Administrative Controls. Whenever it is possible, Passive Fall Protection is the best option, followed by Active Fall Restraint; Active Fall Arrest should only be used as a last resort. With thorough planning, we can guarantee safety for all..

[Audio] When it comes to fall protection and prevention, assessing the situation and determining if the risk can be eliminated or substituted with a less risky course of action should always be the first course of action. The hierarchy of fall protection should be utilized based on the individual scenario to decide on the best practice for a particular hazard. An example of this is that equipment typically used at the edge of a roof can often be relocated to a room or even the ground, eliminating the risk of a fall..

[Audio] When it comes to fall protection, the hierarchical approach is an effective way of addressing the risk. Eliminating the fall hazard altogether and substituting it with a safer alternative is the ideal solution. If this isn't feasible, passive fall protection should be implemented - this involves an engineered system that keeps a boundary around a fall hazard. Active fall restraint systems provide a personal anchorage line which prevents access to the hazard, and if necessary, active fall arrest systems use a physical attachment to an anchorage point to prevent falling. In addition, consideration should be given to administrative controls to limit access to the hazard..

[Audio] I will be discussing fall protection and prevention. Passive protection provides the highest level of safety and includes installing physical barriers such as guardrails and covers around unprotected edges and holes. While the initial cost of these passive protection measures may be high, they are more cost-efficient than relying on personal protective equipment in the long run. Therefore, it is essential to carry out a comprehensive hazard assessment to determine which type of protection is the most cost-effective. This will help optimize safety budget..

[Audio] When it comes to fall protection and prevention, OSHA requires the use of active fall restraint systems for effective and reliable protection of construction workers from falling. An active fall restraint system typically consists of a full body harness or restraint line fastened to a solid structure, along with a metal lanyard that is securely attached to the same structure to keep the worker from falling off. To ensure the safety of the worker, it is important that the harness or restraint line is properly secured..

[Audio] When it comes to Fall Protection and Prevention, the Hierarchy of Fall Protection offers a range of strategies to reduce risk. Eliminating the Fall Hazard is the best solution as it is the most effective. This is followed by Passive Fall Restraint, Active Fall Restraint and Active Fall Arrest Systems which all provide additional levels of protection. Administrative Controls are the least recommended solution as they are not always effective. The best approach is to progress from the top of the hierarchy to the bottom. Elimination or Substitution should be attempted before looking at the other options..

[Audio] Fall restraint systems are the best way to protect workers at height since they restrict a person’s range of movement and prevent them from reaching fall hazards. Fall restraint systems are often underutilized and not specifically mentioned in regulations, but they are still preferred over fall arrest systems. Let’s take a look at the next slide to see how this is the case..

[Audio] When it comes to Fall Protection and Prevention, it is important to distinguish between an active fall restraint system and a passive fall arrest system. The image behind me is an example of a passive fall arrest system. In this system, the anchor point is connected to the worker through a self-retracting lifeline. If the worker slips, the line automatically halts the fall and suspends the worker, leaving them able to be rescued. However, this system does not stop the worker from slipping in the first place, so it is essential to practice proper safety measures. Wear the appropriate safety gear and make sure the conditions are safe. Do all you can to safeguard yourself and those around you..

[Audio] Fall protection and prevention are of paramount importance for workers working at heights. An active fall restraint system, as represented in the image, can prevent falls happening by restraining a worker from entering a hazardous situation. This offers additional protection and safety for employees and maintains a secure work environment. It is essential to be aware of the optimal approaches for fall protection and prevention to ensure that your workers remain safe..

[Audio] When it comes to Fall Prevention, there is a Hierarchy of Protection. Eliminating the fall hazard through substitution or engineering controls is the most effective form. Passive fall protection systems like guardrails follow that, providing a physical barrier that limits access to the hazard. Active fall restraint systems, such as positioning systems or travel restraint systems, come after that, designed to keep you in one area. Active fall arrest systems like harnesses, lanyards, and anchors offer an additional layer of protection if a fall does occur. Administrative controls should always be the least effective form of protection..

[Audio] Fall protection and prevention is an essential part of workplace safety. A fall arrest system is designed to both stop falls from occurring and to catch them before they cause any serious damage. It is crucial that the fall arrest system is set up properly and that all personnel are trained in how to properly use it. The ANSI Z359.2-2007 standard outlines protocols for training in fall protection for authorized, competent, qualified, rescue, and trainers. Adhering to these protocols ensures that all personnel in a work environment are adequately protected from the risk of falls..

[Audio] Fall protection and prevention is vital when working at height. Employers must recognize and comprehend the available measures to avoid accidents. The hierarchy of fall protection is a system of fall protection approaches, from the most efficient to the least. The primary and most effective solution is to get rid of the fall hazard by remodeling the workspace or task to completely avoid falls. The second competent option is to use passive fall restraint which is the implementation of guardrails, travel restraints, or other techniques to avoid falls. The third option is to use active fall restraint with the use of safety harnesses with lanyards. The fourth and least effective option is to use active fall arrest systems. Lastly, the least efficient solution is to use administrative controls such as rotating the job, using portable ladders, or positioning devices. It is important to bear in mind that falls can be lethal, so always analyze the situation thoroughly and select the most efficient option from the hierarchy of fall protection to ensure the safety of everyone..

[Audio] Fall protection and prevention is an important topic to discuss. Administrative controls are a main way of safeguarding workers against falls. Such controls are not as effective as physical or positive methods but still help increase worker awareness of fall hazards. Examples of administrative controls include training, safety monitors, warning lines, designated areas, or control lines. OSHA regulations must be followed by those managing fall protection programs. It is essential to take action to ensure worker safety by implementing suitable administrative controls..

[Audio] Falls on the job site can have severe consequences, so it is imperative to plan for proper fall protection from the outset. This includes ensuring that workers are trained in rescue and recovery procedures in the event of a fall. Additionally, the components of a fall-arrest system should be tailored to the specific work being done and may involve utilizing harnesses, lanyards, and anchorage points. It is of utmost importance that these components are installed properly and used correctly..

[Audio] Employers are required to provide prompt rescue for employees in the event of a fall, or ensure that employees are able to rescue themselves, according to OSHA 1926.502 (d)(20). In this slide, we will discuss the requirements related to rescuing employees in the event of a fall, as well as the employer's requirements. A rescue plan must be developed by employers and they are responsible for communicating the plan to all involved..

[Audio] A survey looked into how long a physically fit person can be suspended in a fall protection harness without extreme discomfort, finding that almost all workers would not want to be left that way for longer than 15 minutes, with average times ranging from 17 to 28 minutes. The tolerance varied greatly between individuals, and negative effects from the suspension could set in quickly. OSHA Standards do not specify a timeframe for rescues to be carried out, but have stated that research showed that suspension can result in death in less than 30 minutes..

[Audio] Falls are a major cause of incidents and fatalities in the workplace. To keep safe, it is essential to be aware of fall protection and prevention methods. In 1987, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base conducted a study to determine the length of time an individual can safely be suspended in a fall protection harness. The results showed that when the harness is released, it should be done gently, with the worker remaining seated for a minimum of 30 minutes, while still wearing the harness. One important note is that after a fall, medical care should be sought immediately, as pooled blood can suddenly rush back to the brain or heart and cause severe damage. Remember to exercise fall protection and prevention to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you..

[Audio] A fall can be dangerous and frightening, and it's important to be prepared. Creating a fall rescue plan, locating rescue equipment and making sure it is accessible are necessary precautions to reduce the possibility of injury and save lives..

[Audio] Falls in the workplace pose serious risks, even of death. Being cognizant of potential hazards when working at heights is essential to ensure safety. Module 3 will look at the severity of such falls, how to prepare for prevention, and the elements of an arrest system to stop falls. Upon completion, you will have learnt the ABC's of workplace safety..

[Audio] A Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) is essential for Fall Protection and Prevention. It comprises of three components: an Anchorage Point, a Body Harness and a Connector. The Anchorage Point is usually a secure, stationary object to which the system is tied. The Body Harness is an adjustable device that fits snugly to the body, whilst the Connector is a device that attaches the Harness to the Anchorage Point. This combination of components creates a secure system that prevents falls and safeguards workers..

[Audio] Falls are a serious hazard in many workplaces, particularly in the construction industry. To protect their employees, employers should utilize Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS). This system is composed of an anchorage point, a body harness, and a connector. An anchorage point is a secure connector, like a beam clamp or roof anchor, that can safely hold the weight of a person in the event of a fall. The body harness helps reduce the force of a fall on the wearer by distributing it across the body. Lastly, the connector joins the body harness to the anchorage point. With these three components in place, employers can be assured that their workers are as safe as possible..

[Audio] Falls from heights can be one of the most hazardous scenarios in a working environment. Thankfully, there is a way to safeguard employees from such falls. This is where Personal Fall Arrest Systems, or PFAS, comes into play. PFAS is made up of three main elements: an anchorage point, which is installed safely and securely, a body harness to properly secure the worker, and a connector to link the two together. Through this system, it is possible to ensure workers are safeguarded from falls..

[Audio] We will discuss Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS). PFAS includes three elements: an anchorage point, a body harness and a connector. The anchorage point is the first contact point for the user, while the body harness distributes forces across the body to secure the worker to the anchorage point. The connector joins the body wear to the anchorage, and can be one of many devices such as energy-absorbing lanyards, fall limiters, self-retracting lanyards and rope grabs. For safety reasons, it is essential to select the appropriate connecting device for the situation..

[Audio] When it comes to preventing falls, the ABCs of fall protection are critical. Anchorage, body support, and a means of connection are each essential components of fall protection system that, when in place correctly and properly used, can provide maximum worker protection. The connecting device is especially important, since it supports the greatest force during a fall. It's essential to give careful consideration to all aspects of the fall protection equipment, from the selection and materials to construction and inspection-maintenance. Remember, your safety depends on it..

[Audio] Understanding potential hazards and taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and colleagues is essential when working at heights. Awareness of risk is the first and most important step. Use appropriate equipment and barriers to prevent falls. Confirm that your equipment is up to date. Adopting these measures can help ensure everyone stays safe..

[Audio] When it comes to falls in the workplace, the best approach is to remove the fall hazard entirely. If this is not feasible, then we must focus on controlling the fall, for example by using safety gear. In cases where the risk of a fall remains, the most effective means of prevention is to stop the fall from occurring..

[Audio] Fall prevention is an important part to consider when working in any environment that poses a risk of falls. Common forms of fall protection include guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. However, warning lines should not be used as the only form of fall protection; rather, they should be supplemented with the other forms of fall protection. Warning lines serve as a prevention rather than a protection..

[Audio] A personal fall arrest system is the best way to protect yourself from a fall. This system is designed to limit the fall to a few feet and provides a safe and secure environment to work in. It also allows for free movement, enabling you to finish your job quickly and efficiently. Additionally, it is essential to avoid the edge of the platform and use grab handles, if present, to steady yourself and prevent any falls..

[Audio] Falls from construction sites can be fatal, which is why it is so important to take the necessary precautions. Having an attentive and vigilant attitude regarding safety, being aware of the work environment, and inspecting materials and tools prior to use are all good practices which can help us to effectively assess and manage any potential risks associated with the construction site. Taking the right steps is essential to ensure that our working environment is safe..

[Audio] A knowledge check is in order for this slide - what is the minimum amount of pounds a personal fall arrest system anchorage point must be capable of handling? The answer is 4000 pounds. This is very important for safety as it helps to protect workers from falls in construction sites..

[Audio] This slide is the last in our presentation on Fall Protection and Prevention. As a knowledge check, identify A, B and C as the safety measures that should be taken on the job site to prevent falls. Please take a few moments to reflect on your answer and if desired, discuss your thoughts with others..

[Audio] At the end of our presentation on Fall Protection and Prevention, I would like to point out the additional resources for further education and guidance on the subject. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, offers a wide range of resources on their website which is http://www.osha.gov. They can also be contacted by phone at 800-321-OSHA, and Compliance Assistance Specialists are available at their area offices for further assistance. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which is OSHA's sister agency, is another great source for more information. The OSHA Training Institute Education Centers also provide great educational resources for learning about Fall Protection and Prevention. Public libraries may also have resources that could be helpful. I thank you all for your attention and for taking the time to learn about Fall Protection and Prevention..