Falls from heights are one of the most common causes of accidents in the workplace and are the leading cause of construction worker fatalities. Fall Protection for Construction is also the number one most frequently cited standard by Federal OSHA. The accidents related to falls that occur often result in serious injuries or death. Although this type of work is dangerous, the hazards associated with it can be lessened by:

  • Choosing the right equipment for the work
  • Ensuring the equipment is used according to manufacturers’ recommendations and company policies
  • Inspecting the equipment regularly to ensure it functions as designed when needed

Leading causes

One of the leading causes of fall-related injuries is not inspecting equipment before using it. This commonly skipped step, required by Cal/OSHA is important as it serves as the worker’s final check to make sure the system is going to function properly. If your employees are required to wear personal fall protection equipment, it is important you develop formal policies requiring:

  • Equipment inspection before each use
  • Equipment inspection at least twice annually by a competent person  
  • Training for your employees on how to conduct these essential inspections

To ensure your employees are following your formal policies and conducting inspections, perform random audits. When you are auditing your employees’ equipment inspection process, make sure:

  • They inspect each component of the fall protection system, e.g. the anchor, the lanyard, and the harness.
  • They always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and your company’s policies for equipment storage, maintenance, and cleaning.
  • Any defective equipment is identified and removed from service immediately. Equipment considered defective should be destroyed or marked as being unusable.

The hazards associated with working at heights can be very serious and pose a life-threatening risk to your employee’s health and well-being when not mitigated. The risk can be mitigated when employees conduct inspections of their fall protection equipment before using it. This simple and quick task helps confirm the equipment is ready to protect your employee.