When we talk about Fall Protection, we are NOT talking about avoiding the end of summer. Falls account for some of the most common reportable on the job injuries.
1.Falls from heights are one of the leading causes of on-the-job fatalities, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. Falls account for eight percent of traumatic workplace deaths, says the BLS.
3. Falls from elevations occur mostly in the residential construction industry, according to WorkSafe BC.
4. Falls from elevations (three meters/10 feet or more) injure more people, at higher cost, than any other injury, says Worksafe BC.
5. More than 100,000 fall incidents are reported each year in the US.
6.Millions work at heights each day, on jobs ranging from roofing to maintaining wind generation towers.
7.These employees must be trained to use and maintain fall protection equipment correctly, including fall arrest, positioning, suspension and retrieval systems.
8.Workers must learn to regularly inspect all parts of the harness, lanyard and shock-absorbing packs.
9.Fall protection violations in the construction industry draw some of OSHA's highest penalties.
10. Workers need hands-on and classroom training in site-specific fall hazards and protection, including tests, training records and work practice observance.