Certain types of jobs require more physical preparation than others. For example, a desk job might require you to simply understand how to use a computer and software — but a manufacturing job may require you to take OSHA fall protection training. OSHA fall protection training, and training programs like it, is implemented to ensure that employees stay as safe as possible while working. Employees may complain about taking part in this kind of training, but in fact it’s beneficial to everyone involved. Employees are kept as safe as possible, while employers are in turn assured that their employees are doing the best work possible, and that the risk of injury and liability is lowered. Fall protection courses don’t have to take up a lot of time; nor do they require a lot of in-depth training. A lot of what goes into fall protection training is fairly common sense-based, and much of it revolves simply around using the right equipment. If a person is using the equipment that they should be using, they will be much safer — it’s as simple as that. With that being said, we’ll look into what comprises OSHA fall protection training, as well as a few tips on how to stay safe on the job.
OSHA Fall Protection Training: The Basics
Fall protection systems usually require on training — sometimes, this results in employees becoming certified in fall protection, meaning that they’ve completed the required courses. In fact, many employers don’t allow employees to work on a long term basis without fall protection certification. The process that OSHA uses involves three steps, all of which are meant to prevent dangerous falls. The steps are simple: plan, provide, and train. Under these steps, fall protection training doesn’t just have to do with training employees how to avoid falls on an individual basis, but training them how to implement safety measures in the workplace. For example, OSHA requires that fall protection is provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in longshoring operations. Additionally, it is important that fall protection systems are routinely tested, as they can wear down and do occasionally require maintenance. OSHA advises that, during fall arrest system testing, a test weight of 300 pounds (plus or minus five pounds) should be used. This gives the most accurate possible results, and ensures that people of a variety of weights will be kept safe.
Safety Equipment: The Different Options
There are many different types of safety equipment available, but not all work in every workplace. Different types of safety equipment serve different workplaces. If employees are working at an elevation of six feet above the ground or more, they risk serious injury or death if they fall. It’s crucial that employees are protected with whatever types of safety equipment are necessary. This can include not only ladders and scaffolding, but more complex types of safety gear. When the drop exceeds 25 feet and temporary floors and scaffolding are not used, safety nets can decrease the risk of deadly falls. Safety nets are under the umbrella of “general fall arrest” gear. Things like lifelines, that only affect one person at a time, are types of “personal fall arrest” gear. Typically, OSHA limits the distance in fall arrest to six feet, though exceptions occur on a rare basis. Other types of safety gear include slings, as well as different types of rigging.
Does Fall Protection Training Really Work?
Frustration with fall protection training is understandable — it does take time out of a person’s day that they could devote to other activities. Nonetheless, fall protection training is extremely important, and it does indeed save lives. In 1972, workplace injuries and illnesses were at 10.9 for every 100 people. By 2011, that number dropped to 3.4 for every 100 people — and much of this is probably thanks to fall protection training systems.
