Fall Protection
(19 Article in 19 variants)Fall protection is when an employer protects workers from any hazard that could cause them to fall and get injured. This includes falling on any machinery or falling into any hole in the floor. It could also be any fall from a platform or even a ladder. It is the responsibility of the employer to keep the work area dry and free from debris that could be a potential falling hazard.
Fall Protection
Why do I need fall protection?
Falls are among the leading causes of injuries and deaths in the workplace. Falling off any overhead work surface is cause for concern, but don’t forget about more minor falls from as little as four feet from the ground. These types of falls can cause serious injuries as well, and you must provide fall protection in those situations as well.
CCOHS requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry, and eight feet in long shoring operations.
Types of Fall Protection
There are different types of fall protection to keep workers safe. Depending on the situation will determine what kinds of equipment would need to be in place.
Fall Safety Equipment – this includes body belts, guard rails,
Fall Arrest Systems are systems that provide safe stopping of a falling worker. These products include lanyards, shock-absorbing lanyards, self-retracting lifelines, full-body harnesses, rope grabs, and anchors. These systems should be implemented when a worker is exposed to a fall of six feet or greater.
Falls, a leading cause of workplace injuries, occur even from low heights and demand attention. CCOHS mandates fall protection at specific elevations, varying across industries. Safety equipment like body belts, guard rails, and fall arrest systems (harnesses, lanyards, lifelines) are crucial to prevent injuries, especially for falls of six feet or more.