Fall protection in the USA is a set of measures taken to prevent or mitigate the consequences of a fall from a height. It is a critical safety issue in many workplaces, particularly those where employees are working at heights.
There are a variety of protection systems and devices available on the market, ranging from personal fall arrest systems to edge protection systems. The type of system that is right for your workplace will depend on a number of factors, including the nature of the work being done, the height of the work area, and the number of employees working in the area.
The Different Types of Fall Protection
There are many different types of protection, but they all have the same goal: to keep you safe from falling.
Fall arrest systems are designed to catch you if you fall and prevent you from hitting the ground. They’re best suited for use in situations where a worker may need to move around over the course of their job and are not likely to stay in one place for long periods of time.
Fall restraint systems work by stopping a fall before it begins. These systems typically consist of rope anchor points or webbing that attach to a harness worn by the worker and can be used in situations where workers will be stationary for extended periods of time, such as when they’re working on scaffolding or ladders.
What are the Benefits of Protection?
The benefits of protection include:
Reduced Risk Of Injury And Death –
Falls are one of the most common causes of industrial accidents in North America. In fact, falls account for about 76% of all workplace fatalities every year.1 By implementing protection measures, you can greatly reduce your risk of injury or death due to a fall.
Improved Productivity –
Having adequate protection measures reduces employee stress and improves morale because they know that they will not be injured if they accidentally fall from heights under five feet. This can lead to improved productivity because employees feel less stressed about their jobs and are able to focus more on getting things done rather than worrying about how safe their working environment is.
Who Needs Fall Protection?
If you’re working at heights of more than six feet, you need to take protection seriously. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide fall protection in the USA for employees who work at heights of 6 feet or more. This includes construction workers, first responders, utility workers and many other professions.
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