Falling is a major issue in the workplace. Fall protection should be an integral part of work, and ought to be properly incorporated into every phase of the process to protect workers, because...
1. Falls are still a leading cause of fatalities in the workplace
According to Safe Work Australia, as of 2018 11% of all worker deaths were caused by fatal falls, and fatal falls have been one of the leading cause of worker deaths for the past fifteen years.
Falls from one level to another account for a majority of deaths caused by trips, slips, and falls. It’s obvious that something must be done to abate these fatalities.
2. A fall protection program begins with hazard analysis/recognition
Fall protection programs shouldn’t be haphazard. Conducting a thorough analysis to determine potential fall hazards is vital. Some of the most common in the workplace are:
- Floor openings/pits
- Wall openings
- Shelving units
- Stationary storage tanks
- Tanker trucks
- Industrial production areas
3. Preventing the Fall
Once an all-inclusive fall hazard analysis is completed, you’re ready to lay out your three lines of defense for fall protection or fall hazard control. They are:
- Fall elimination — This includes both eliminating the hazard through re-engineering the location or controlling employee access. If work can be done on the ground instead, it should be.
- Fall prevention — Proper guardrails on platforms and steps is an example of preventing the fall. For guardrails to be effective, they must include properly spaced posts, top rails, mid-rails and a standard toeboard. Other means of preventing the fall are fences and barricades.
- Personal fall restraint — A personal fall restraint differs from a personal fall arrest system in that the lanyard is a fixed length and prevents the worker from entering the fall hazard area. However, it may restrict worker movement in some cases.
But even though employers take all the precautions they can, falls still happen. When a worker falls, your first priority is controlling that fall.
4. Controlling the Fall
When tasks require extended worker mobility or will place them near the fall hazard, a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) must be used. This is particularly important when workers must ascend or descend ladders, or when they are working near unprotected sides and edges.
Although a PFAS may have the same anchorage points and body harness as a personal fall restraint system, some components may differ.
For example, a PFAS may require some form of self-retracting lanyard (SRL), or in some cases, an SRL that is rated for leading edge applications.
But, you can’t just hand the equipment to your workers and expect them to use it properly. It’s essential that you train them to use it as well.
5. Training employees in proper fall protection practices
Employers must train workers who work around fall hazard locations.
The training should include:
- Fall hazards associated with the facility and the work done
- Methods used for fall hazard protection
- Proper use of personal fall arrest, positioning, or fall restraint systems
- The WHS standards for their industry concerning fall protection
The employee training must include proper donning and doffing of the equipment, and it is strongly recommended that you retrain all workers every few years. Even the most experienced worker is still at risk.
While worker education is essential, there are other required responsibilities for the employer.
6. Employer required inspections
The workplace must be monitored for existing and potential fall hazards. This is ongoing and should be done regularly. As the workplace changes, new hazards may evolve.
Existing fall hazard controls must also be inspected for wear and tear. This includes guardrails, covers, grates, fences and permanent anchorage points for PFA and PFR systems.
Inspections of PFA and PFR equipment must be conducted regularly by qualified, trained personnel. A monthly schedule is recommended. However, each worker using this equipment should also be trained in inspection procedures and perform a self-inspection before donning or using the equipment and all components.
Creating a documented rescue plan is the final link in the chain of fall protection.
7. Written fall rescue plan
Another recommendation for employers is to develop and document a rescue plan. The plan should be communicated to all personnel who may participate in a rescue. It’s also a good idea to train the personnel on the plan, rather than just inform them that a plan exists.
Some of the issues that the plan should address are:
- Limiting the suspension time to no more than 15 minutes
- Planning for a worker that is unconscious or injured and, therefore, unable to self-rescue or assist in their own rescue
- Ensuring that all rescue equipment is onsite and easily deployed
- Making sure there is a person designated to call emergency services whenever a fall occurs
Remember that when a fall happens, time is of the essence. The ability to rescue a person as quickly as possible may help reduce additional issues.
