Do you need fall protection?
An all-inclusive fall protection program begins with the ability to identify all fall hazards in your workplace.
As a general rule, when someone is working from a height greater than four feet (1.2 m), a fall hazard exists and must be addressed in order to prevent work- related injuries and avoid OSHA fines. Once a fall hazard has been identified, you typically have two options:
1) Eliminate the hazard altogether, or
2) Provide protection against it.
In some cases, it is possible to eliminate a fall hazard, typically known as “engineering out the hazard,” simply by changing the working environment, processes and procedures.
If this is not possible, fall prevention should be the next consideration. Common fall prevention methods include installing guardrails, scaffolds, handrails or barriers.
When passive fall protection solutions such as elimination or prevention are not practical, personal fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, lanyards and retractable lifelines can be used.
Personal fall protection may consist of a restraint system to keep the worker from reaching an area where a fall hazard exists, or a personal fall arrest system that enables a worker to perform their duties from the height required, while tied off to the system.