When it comes to safety and fall protection on the job site, OSHA itself provides just three simple guidelines: plan, provide, and train.
Of course, the details are a little more involved than that. When it comes to the “providing” stage, here’s the all of the fall protection equipment you may need:
- Harness
When you have workers at heights, they should be wearing a full body harness that is properly fitted. People come in all different shapes and sizes, of course, which is why OSHA recommends testing fall arrest systems at a weight of 300 pounds to account for everyone. - Netting
Safety nets are also a good idea, especially for potential fall distances greater than 25 feet, or where scaffolding and temporary floors are not in use. - Connecting Device
A fixed length lanyard also needs to be used with OSHA fall protection supplies, one that clamps on to the harness or belt. One with shock absorption is probably your best bet. - Anchor Points
You need your connecting device to attach to another tie-off point for structural support. It needs to be at a point that won’t interfere with the worker’s duties or movement. - Ladder System
If your work involves ladders instead of platforms, you might want to consider a ladder fall protection system that connects directly with the ladder itself. All it requires is a stable cable connected to a fixed ladder.
At the end of the day, however, none of this equipment will prove useful if you don’t know how to use it and maintain it properly. That’s why fall protection training courses are so important for all of your workers, and why OSHA lists it as an important step in protection.
The more difficult part may not be finding the equipment you need, but deciding on which makes and models you want. There are so many different types of harnesses and attaching devices, for example, that you may not know which kind you want until you test them all.
Remember, though, that cheaper isn’t always “cheaper” in the long run. Investing in quality fall protection equipment will not only help keep your workers safe and happy, it will save you money (and lives!) in the long run. To see more, read this. Find out more here.