Fall from height safety | Fall from height procedure | Fall Prevention

                 Fall from height safety | Fall from height procedure | Fall Prevention 

Fall from height protocols

FALL FROM THE HEIGHT SAFETY | FALL PREVENTION

Falls from heights have been identified as a major cause of workplace accidents and fatalities. In many industries, workers are routinely required to work at height, whether it be on roofs, scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms. These workers face a significant risk of falls, and it is important to prioritize fall protection and safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries.

The potential consequences of a fall from height include death, serious injury, or permanent disability. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, accounting for more than 36% of fatalities in this sector each year. Falls from height are also a significant risk in other industries such as manufacturing, transport, and utilities.

It is important for employers and workers to understand the measures that can be taken to prevent falls and protect employees who work at height. Some of these measures include:

1. Proper training: Employers should provide comprehensive training on fall protection techniques, equipment, and procedures. Workers should be educated on how to properly use equipment such as harnesses and lanyards, and how to identify potential hazards when working at height.

2. Risk assessment: Employers should conduct a thorough risk assessment before any work at height begins. This can help identify potential hazards and enable the development of a safe work plan that includes appropriate safeguards to prevent falls.

3. Use of appropriate equipment: Workers should be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for working at height. This includes harnesses, lanyards, and safety nets. The PPE should be inspected for damage or wear before each use and properly stored after use.

4. Safety barriers and guardrails: Employers can also install safety barriers and guardrails around high-risk areas such as roofs, elevated platforms, and balconies. This helps prevent falls by providing a physical barrier between workers and the edge of a height.

5. Regular Maintenance: The employer should ensure regular maintenance of the equipment used for working at heights. This stops the equipment from becoming old and weakened as at times, it can progressively deteriorate and become unusable putting workers at risk.

While these measures are essential, it is also important for workers to take responsibility for their own safety when working at height. Workers should follow safety guidelines, use the appropriate PPE, and report any potential hazards to their supervisors.

Falls from height are a significant risk in many industries, and employers must take appropriate steps to protect workers who work at height. As mentioned, these measures include proper training, risk assessment, use of appropriate equipment, safety barriers and guardrails, regular maintenance, and accountability measures. With proper training, planning, and equipment, it is possible to prevent falls from height and create a safer workplace for all.