Fall protection in the USA is a set of measures designed to prevent or mitigate the consequences of a fall. It can include guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. It is required by law in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of fall protection and how to implement it in your workplace.
Why is fall protection important?
falls are a leading cause of death and serious injury in the construction industry. In the United States, fatal falls account for an average of 699 deaths per year in the private construction industry.
There are a number of reasons why protection is so important:
Falls can cause serious injuries or death.
Falls are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry.
Falls can occur from a variety of heights.
People working at height are at increased risk of falling.
Methods of fall protection
There are a variety of gantry systems available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common protection systems include:
Guardrails:
Guardrails are barriers that are designed to prevent employees from falling off of elevated work surfaces. Guardrails are typically made of wood, metal, or plastic. Advantages of guardrails include their low cost and ease of installation. Disadvantages of guardrails include their potential to create trip hazards and their limited effectiveness in preventing falls from great heights.
Safety Nets:
Safety nets are systems of ropes and webbing that are designed to catch falling employees and prevent them from hitting the ground. Safety nets must be installed at least 20 feet below the work surface. Advantages of safety nets include their ability to prevent serious injuries from falls, their low cost, and their ease of installation. Disadvantages of safety nets include their potential to create entrapment hazards and their limited effectiveness in preventing falls from great heights.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems:
Personal fall arrest systems are devices that are worn by employees and are designed to stop them from falling. The advantages of personal fall arrest systems include their ability to stop employees from falling, their portability, and their versatility. Disadvantages of personal fall arrest systems include their potential to cause serious injuries if not used properly and their limited effectiveness in preventing falls from great heights.
Conclusion
Fall protection is a critical part of keeping your workers safe on the job site The best way to choose a protection system is to consult with a qualified safety professional who can assess your specific needs and recommend the best option for your workplace. For more information visit our Website.