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Emphasize Prevention through Design Although it is easier to see fall hazards in an existing structure, safety experts around the world have found that is it safer and more cost effective to implement fall protection before structures or processes are built. This concept is referred to as Prevention through Design (PtD). Apply the Hierarchy of Controls       To compare fall hazard abatement options, many regulations and standards refer to a concept called the “Hierarchy of controls.” In this hierarchy graph, the potential control methods are ranked in order of increasing residual risk. By following the hierarchy of Controls...

The First Step of Safety: Choose Your Ladder Wisely By Teddy Durgin National Ladder Safety Month is all about educating the public on the steps one must take when climbing a ladder, whether at home or at work. But any industry professional worth his or her salt will tell you – safety begins even before that. It begins with picking the right ladder. And when choosing the right ladder, there are several things that must be taken into account. Just ask Michael Van Bree, Director of Product Safety and Engineering at Louisville Ladder. For years, his role has been to...

Your work van – it’s your workshop on wheels. And just like your workshop –maybe even more so – it needs to be organized. If you have tools and equipment rolling around in the back of your van, it not only takes more time to find what you need, it can also be a driver distraction and a safety hazard. Plus, it makes a less-than-professional first impression. How can you wrangle all the free-range equipment and supplies that have taken over your cargo area? That is a job for a van upfit! What is a Van Upfit? A van upfit is a...

What’s Changed for Fixed Ladders Under OSHA 1910 Fixed ladders provide stability when ascending to an elevated work surface because they are fastened to the building or a secure surface. In the past, OSHA has required cages for ladders taller than 20 feet, but as of January 2017, fall protection is required on ladders taller than (or that extend beyond) 24 feet. Several of the important changes are listed below: New height requirement. Fall protection is required on ladders taller than (or that extend beyond) 24 feet. New equipment specification. As of November 18th, 2018, cages are no longer considered compliant...

Second Leading Cause of Death According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 241 deaths caused by dropped objects in the U.S in 2019. OSHA’s “Focus Four” training recognizes “struck by and object” as the second of four leading causes of worker deaths on construction sites. Dropped objects can also cause injuries to people who are not workers or cause damage to their property. Tool Tethering + Training + Inspection = Prevention Tool tethering equipment combined with appropriate worker training and regular equipment inspection can help to prevent these deaths, injuries, and damage. Manufacturers should comply with...