The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to help protect the safety of employees in their workplace. One of OSHA’s requirements is that employers must follow the OSHA standard for fall protection during any project to ensure a safe environment for their employees.
Falls are some of the most common causes of severe injuries in the workforce, so these standards should not be ignored! And we here at American Ladders & Scaffolding are here to give you an outline of what OSHA’s criteria is for fall protection:
Reducing Falls in the Workplace
The primary campaign value that OSHA pushes for is to lessen the number of falls and accidents that happen on the job. Understanding fall protection dos and don'ts is vital to a safe environment. Employers must provide employees working on overhead platforms, elevated areas, or in a room with holes in the floor or walls with fall protection.
According to OSHA.gov, they require employers to “Provide working conditions that are free of known dangers, keep floors in work areas clean and, so far as possible, in a dry condition, select and provide required personal protective equipment at no cost to workers, and train workers about job hazards in a language that they can understand.”
Safe Machinery Work
Not only does OSHA focus on fall protection, but also safe use of all machinery being used on site. Inspecting any equipment before use is essential to ensure employees are safe to utilize them while working. Not only that, but the more employees understand how to use their tools, the easier it is to get the job done.
The Right Gear and Protocols
OSHA’s regulations require employers to provide appropriate personal protective equipment and other safeguards as necessary, further protecting workers. When it comes to the right gear, workers need to be trained on what is required and how to use them. This training includes:
- Planning ahead
- Using guardrails or handholds
- Using ropes with devices like knots or carabiners to make sure they are securely fastened
- Providing proper equipment such as harnesses and lanyards to prevent injuries
- And more!
CONTACT US FOR OSHA APPROVED SAFETY TRAINING CLASSES
Safety is our top priority here at American Ladders & Scaffolds. We offer Scaffolding, Ladder and Fall Protection Competent Person safety training classes for supervisors, forepersons and employees to ensure fewer injuries and accidents happen while on the job. Give us a call at 860-657-9252 or email us at: Office@AmericanLadders.com, and you’ll speak to a trained expert, ready to assist you with all your safety needs.
