Fall protection is a crucial aspect of workplace safety, particularly in industries that involve working at heights. A comprehensive fall protection plan is essential to prevent accidents and protect workers from potentially fatal injuries.
In this blog post, we will discuss what a fall protection plan is, the requirements for creating one, and the importance of having a robust one. Whether you are an employer or an employee, understanding the basics of fall protection planning can help you ensure a safer and healthier work environment. So let’s dive in and explore the world of fall protection planning!
The Importance Of A Fall Protection Plan
Fall protection is essential to workplace safety, especially for working at heights. A fall protection plan is a written program that outlines the measures, procedures, and equipment to be used to prevent or minimize the risk of falls in the workplace. The importance of a fall protection plan cannot be overstated, as falls are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the workplace.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are among the construction industry’s top four causes of fatalities, accounting for 36% of all deaths. In 2019, there were 880 fatalities in the construction industry, and 401 were caused by falls. Falls are also a significant cause of non-fatal injuries, with 244,000 falls reported in the workplace in 2019.
OSHA has regulations to ensure employers provide adequate fall protection to their workers. The regulations vary depending on the type of work being done and the height at which the work is being performed. For example, employers must provide fall protection systems, such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems, to workers working at heights of six feet or more in the construction industry. In general industry, employers must provide fall protection to workers working at heights of four feet or more.
Requirements For A Fall Protection Plan
A fall protection plan is a written program that outlines the measures, procedures, and equipment to be used to prevent or minimize the risk of falls in the workplace. OSHA requires employers to develop and implement a fall protection plan in certain situations, such as when working at heights of six feet or more in the construction industry or four feet or more in the general industry. The following are the requirements for a fall protection plan:
1. Identification Of Fall Hazards
Identifying fall hazards in the workplace is an essential step in developing a fall protection plan. Employers must conduct a hazard assessment of the workplace to identify all potential fall hazards. A competent person with the necessary training and experience should conduct a hazard assessment to identify fall hazards.
During the hazard assessment, the competent person should consider the following:
- The height of the work surface: The higher the work surface, the greater the fall risk. The competent person should identify all areas where work is performed at the height of four feet or more in the general industry or six feet or more in the construction industry.
- The nature of the work: The competent person should identify all tasks that involve working near an open edge or another fall hazard. This can include tasks such as roofing, bridgework, and scaffold work.
- The condition of the work surface: The competent person should evaluate the condition of the work surface to identify any slip, trip, or fall hazards. This can include identifying areas with uneven surfaces, wet or slippery surfaces, or debris on the work surface.
- Environmental factors: The competent person should also consider environmental factors that may increase the risk of falls, such as wind, rain, or snow.
Once all potential fall hazards have been identified, the competent person should prioritize them based on the severity of the hazard and the likelihood of a fall occurring. This information should then be used to develop a fall protection plan that includes procedures, systems, and equipment to prevent or control fall hazards.
Identifying fall hazards in the workplace is a critical component of developing a fall protection plan. A hazard assessment should be conducted by a competent person who considers the height of the work surface, the work’s nature, the work surface’s condition, and environmental factors. The information gathered during the hazard assessment is then used to develop a fall protection plan that prioritizes fall hazards based on their severity and likelihood of occurrence.
2. Fall Prevention and Control Measures
Once fall hazards have been identified during the hazard assessment, the next step in developing a fall protection plan is to determine the measures, procedures, and equipment that will be used to prevent or control these hazards. OSHA requires that employers implement fall prevention measures before resorting to falling protection equipment such as personal fall arrest systems. Fall prevention measures include engineering controls, administrative controls, and safe work practices that eliminate or minimize fall hazards. If fall prevention measures are not feasible or do not adequately control fall hazards, employers must provide fall protection equipment to workers.
The following are some examples of fall prevention and control measures that employers can use to prevent or minimize the risk of falls:
- Guardrails: Employers can install guardrails along open edges to prevent falls. Guardrails should withstand a force of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction and should be placed at a height of 42 inches above the work surface.
- Safety Nets: Safety nets can be installed to catch workers in the event of a fall. Safety nets should be placed as close as possible to the work surface and should be able to absorb the impact of a falling worker.
- Covers and Screens: Covers and screens can cover holes in the work surface or protect workers from falling objects. Covers should be able to support the weight of any equipment or workers on the cover.
- Safe Work Practices: Employers can establish safe work practices that minimize the risk of falls. This can include using ladders or scaffolding instead of standing on chairs or other unstable objects, maintaining good housekeeping practices to minimize slip, trip, and fall hazards, and using proper tools and equipment.
- Personal Fall Arrest Systems: Personal fall arrest systems can protect workers working at heights where fall hazards cannot be eliminated or controlled by other means. Personal fall arrest systems typically consist of an anchorage, a lanyard, and a harness that work together to stop a fall in progress.
Employers must develop prevention and control measures to eliminate or minimize fall hazards. Employers should prioritize fall prevention measures before using fall protection equipment such as personal fall arrest systems. Some examples of fall prevention and control measures include guardrails, safety nets, covers and screens, safe work practices, and personal fall arrest systems. The measures used should be based on the hazard assessment, the type of work being performed, and the work environment.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) protects workers from workplace hazards that cannot be eliminated through engineering or administrative controls. In the context of fall protection, PPE includes equipment used to protect workers from falls, such as harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines.
OSHA requires that employers provide PPE to workers exposed to fall hazards. Employers must select and provide appropriate PPE for the specific workplace and the hazards present. Employers must also ensure that the PPE is properly fitted, maintained, and inspected for defects.
The following are some examples of PPE that can be used to protect workers from fall hazards:
- Full-Body Harnesses: Full-body harnesses are designed to distribute the forces of a fall over the entire body. Harnesses should be chosen based on the size and weight of the worker and the type of work being performed.
- Lanyards: Lanyards are used to connect the harness to an anchor point. Lanyards should be chosen based on the work type and the fall clearance distance.
- Lifelines provide a continuous connection between the worker and an anchor point. Lifelines can be horizontal or vertical and should be chosen based on the work type and the fall clearance distance.
- Anchor Points: Anchor points are the harness, lanyard, and lifeline attachment points. Anchor points should be capable of supporting the worker’s weight and should be positioned to minimize the fall distance.
- Retractable Lifelines: Retractable lifelines are designed to allow workers to move freely while still providing fall protection. Retractable lifelines should be chosen based on the work type and the fall clearance distance.
Employers are responsible for ensuring that workers are trained in the proper use of PPE, including how to inspect and maintain the equipment. Employers must also ensure that workers wear the appropriate PPE when exposed to fall hazards.
Employers must provide appropriate PPE to workers who are exposed to fall hazards. PPE can include full-body harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, anchor points, and retractable lifelines. Employers must ensure that the PPE is properly fitted, maintained, and inspected for defects. Employers must also ensure that workers are trained in the proper use of PPE and wear the appropriate PPE whenever they are exposed to fall hazards.
4. Rescue Plan
A rescue plan is an essential component of a fall protection plan. A rescue plan is a written plan that outlines the procedures and equipment that will be used to rescue a worker in the event of a fall. A rescue plan aims to ensure that a fallen worker can be rescued quickly and safely, minimizing the risk of injury or death.
The following are some important considerations when developing a rescue plan:
- Equipment: The rescue plan should identify the equipment used to rescue a fallen worker. This can include hoists, pulleys, ropes, and other equipment. The equipment should be inspected regularly and maintained in good working condition.
- Personnel: The rescue plan should identify the person involved in the rescue. This can include designated rescue personnel or emergency services personnel. The rescue personnel should be trained in procedures and have the necessary equipment and tools.
- Procedures: The rescue plan should specify the procedures that will be used to rescue a fallen worker. The procedures should be specific to the hazards and conditions of the work site. The plan should also specify the order of operations for the rescue, including who will perform each task.
- Communication: The rescue plan should specify the communication procedures used during a rescue. This can include radio communication, hand signals, or other methods. The plan should also specify who will be responsible for communicating with emergency services.
- Training: The rescue plan should include a training program for all personnel involved in the rescue. The training should cover the procedures and equipment used in the rescue and be conducted regularly.
- Record Keeping: The rescue plan should include a system for documenting all rescue procedures, including the date, time, and personnel involved. Documentation should be kept in a secure location and should be readily accessible in the event of an inspection or audit.
A rescue plan is an essential component of a fall protection plan. The rescue plan should identify the equipment and personnel involved in the rescue, specify the procedures used in the rescue, include communication procedures, provide training for all personnel involved, and include a system for documenting all rescue procedures. A rescue plan aims to ensure that a fallen worker can be rescued quickly and safely, minimizing the risk of injury or death.
5. Training
Training is a critical component of any fall protection plan. Employers are required to provide training to workers who are exposed to fall hazards to ensure that they understand the hazards and are able to use fall protection equipment and procedures properly.
The following are some important considerations when developing a training program:
- Hazard Identification: Workers should be trained to identify fall hazards in the workplace. This includes understanding the height of the work surface, the nature of the work being performed, the condition of the work surface, and environmental factors that may increase the risk of falls.
- Fall Prevention Measures: Workers should be trained on fall prevention measures, including engineering controls, administrative controls, and safe work practices that can eliminate or minimize fall hazards.
- Fall Protection Equipment: Workers should be trained on the proper use of fall protection equipment, including harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines. Workers should understand how to properly inspect, maintain, and use the equipment.
- Rescue Procedures: Workers should be trained on rescue procedures in the event of a fall. Workers should understand how to communicate during a rescue and use rescue equipment.
- Record Keeping: Workers should be trained on the recordkeeping requirements of the fall protection plan. Workers should understand the required documentation, how to complete it, and where to store it.
- Refresher Training: Workers should receive refresher training regularly. Refresher training should cover any fall protection plan, equipment, or procedure changes. Employers should also provide additional training when workers are assigned to new tasks involving fall hazards.
Training is an essential component of a fall protection plan. Employers are required to provide training to workers who are exposed to fall hazards. Workers should be trained on hazard identification, fall prevention measures, fall protection equipment, rescue procedures, recordkeeping, and refresher training. By providing workers with proper training, employers can ensure that workers can work safely at heights and minimize the risk of falls and injuries.
6. Inspections and Maintenance
Inspections and maintenance are important components of a fall protection plan. Regular inspections and maintenance of fall protection equipment can help to ensure that the equipment is in good working condition and can prevent accidents and injuries.
The following are some important considerations when developing an inspections and maintenance program:
- Inspection Schedule: Employers should establish an inspection schedule for all fall protection equipment. The schedule should include regular and periodic inspections after equipment subjected to unusual stress or strain.
- Inspection Procedures: Employers should establish procedures for inspecting fall protection equipment. Inspection procedures should be specific to the type of equipment being inspected, including visual inspections, functional testing, and load testing.
- Maintenance: Employers should establish procedures for maintaining fall protection equipment. Maintenance procedures should include cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting equipment as necessary.
- Replacement: Employers should establish criteria for determining when fall protection equipment needs to be replaced. Criteria can include the age of the equipment, the amount of use, and any visible signs of wear or damage.
- Training: Workers should be trained on the proper inspection and maintenance procedures for fall protection equipment. Workers should understand how to properly inspect, maintain, and use the equipment.
- Record Keeping: Employers should establish a system for documenting all inspections and maintenance of fall protection equipment. Documentation should include the date of the inspection or maintenance, the name of the person who conducted the inspection or maintenance, and any repairs or replacements made.
Inspections and maintenance are important components of a fall protection plan. Employers should establish an inspection schedule and procedures for inspecting and maintaining fall protection equipment. Workers should be trained on the proper inspection and maintenance procedures, and employers should establish a system for documenting all inspections and maintenance. By properly maintaining fall protection equipment, employers can help ensure the safety of workers exposed to fall hazards.
7. Program Evaluation
Program evaluation is an important component of a fall protection plan. Evaluating the effectiveness of the fall protection plan can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that the plan continues to meet the needs of the workplace.
The following are some important considerations when evaluating a fall protection plan:
- Review: Employers should review the fall protection plan regularly to ensure that it is up-to-date and continues to meet the needs of the workplace. The review should consider any changes to the workplace, the work being performed, or the equipment being used.
- Evaluation: Employers should evaluate the effectiveness of the fall protection plan. This can include analyzing accident and injury records, reviewing inspection and maintenance records, and soliciting worker feedback.
- Documentation: Employers should document the results of the program evaluation. Documentation should include any changes to the fall protection plan due to the evaluation.
- Training: Employers should provide training to workers on any changes made to the fall protection plan due to the program evaluation.
- Record Keeping: Employers should establish a system for documenting the program evaluation. Documentation should include the evaluation date, the methods used to evaluate the program, and any changes made to the fall protection plan as a result.
- Continual Improvement: Employers should strive to improve the fall protection plan continually. This can include implementing new fall prevention measures, improving inspection and maintenance procedures, and providing additional training to workers.
Program evaluation is an important component of a fall protection plan. Employers should review the plan regularly, evaluate its effectiveness, document the evaluation results, and provide training to workers on any changes made due to the evaluation. Employers should also strive to continually improve the fall protection plan to ensure the safety of workers exposed to fall hazards.
Conclusion
Fall protection plans are essential to ensuring workers’ safety at risk of workplace falls. Developing and implementing a fall protection plan can help prevent falls from heights and reduce the severity of injuries if a fall occurs. OSHA and other regulatory bodies have established strict requirements for fall protection plans, which employers must adhere to to maintain a safe workplace. Employers can create a safer work environment, protect their employees from harm, and avoid costly penalties and lawsuits by prioritizing fall protection. Ultimately, investing in fall protection planning is an investment in the health and well-being of workers, as well as the long-term success of the business.
