When it comes to fall protection, there is no margin for error. Protecting your workers calls for well thought-out safety procedures and should be a top priority for your business.

James Preacher

 

The waste management industry is an integral part of our society. This important service involves work at height, which exposes workers to fall-related hazards and injury risks. These potentially hazardous situations can occur anywhere, including when servicing vehicles, doing maintenance work in recycling plants or performing a task that requires climbing.

 

OSHA regulations, national consensus ANSI standards and ongoing developments in equipment may make developing an effective fall protection program seem complex. But it doesn’t have to be. Following some basic steps can make it much more manageable.

 

#1: Analyze the Work Zone and Identify Hazards

Since many fall hazards are present in the work place, performing a basic hazard assessment is imperative. Hazards vary from jobsite to jobsite, so take into consideration your specific work environment, the height at which work is performed, and the number of employees using the area. Once hazards are identified you will be able to determine what solutions are needed to keep workers safe. ANSI Z352.2 sec. 5.1 provides a hierarchy for fall protection, which details the preferred methods to eliminate or control fall hazards:

  • Whenever possible, eliminate the need to work at height so that workers are not exposed to the risk of falling.
  • If total elimination is not possible, implement a passive fall arrest system, such as guardrails or cages, where protection is automatic and does not require conscious thought or actions from the worker.
  • If the above methods are not feasible, use an active fall arrest system, which will either restrain the worker and prevent a fall from happening or arrest a fall in progress and minimize any associated injuries.

 

#2: Choose the Right System

While custom-built platforms can be a good passive system choice, work requirements and special restrictions often demand the use of an active fall arrest system. The most precise and efficient option is an engineered system, which comes in many forms, such as horizontal cable lifelines, rigid rail systems, and hybrid access platforms and anchor systems, to name a few. These systems can be stationary or portable, and while each type has its advantages, all of them must be designed and certified by an engineer.

 

Hybrid systems serve multiple purposes, as they integrate stairs, platforms and fall arrest anchors into one stationary or portable system. A good portable option is a rigid rail system for fall arrest, which can be ideal for workers who must climb on vehicles or equipment. One advantage a rail system has over a cable-based horizontal lifeline system is that less clearance is needed since the rails don’t deflect like a cable system.

 

Portable systems must adhere to the same stringent standards as permanent systems, but can offer added versatility when different sized vehicles are maintained or when the system is used in multiple locations. Systems of this type are designed to protect workers who are required to climb on large vehicles, such as garbage trucks, buses and mining equipment.

 

Whatever system you choose, make sure to work with a qualified fall protection manufacturer that can assess your unique needs and determine the system that is right for you. Unprotected falls from heights of less than 10 feet, which is common in the waste industry, can lead to serious injury or even death.

 

#3: Use the proper equipment

Once you’ve determined the appropriate system, make sure your workers have the right fall protection equipment for their needs. A complete fall arrest system is composed of four parts, which can be easily remembered as the ABCDs of fall protection:

  • Anchorage—The anchorage is the secure point of attachment for the fall protection system. The appropriate type of anchorage connector varies by industry, the job being performed, the type of installation and the structure available. The anchorage structure to which the connector is attached must be capable of supporting a load of 5,000 pounds per worker or meet OSHA’s criteria of a 2-to-1 safety factor.
  • Body Support—A full body harness distributes forces over the upper thighs, pelvis, chest and shoulders in case of a fall. It also provides a connection point on the worker for the fall protection system.
  • Connectors—A connector, such as a self-retracting lifeline or shock absorbing lanyard, connects the wearer’s full body harness to an anchorage. In case of a fall, such devices may prevent a fall, arrest a fall or absorb the energy of a fall.
  • Descent and Rescue—All fall protection plans must include procedures for quickly getting a worker to safety after a fall. Descent and rescue devices are used to retrieve or lower a fallen worker to the ground.

 

Important Considerations for Connector and Anchor Selection

Fall protection equipment is not one size fits all. When selecting the proper anchorage, always consider your fall clearance and location of the anchor to minimize swing falls and to eliminate the chance of a worker hitting the floor or other obstruction.

 

For those working at heights below 19 feet, self-retracting lifeline connectors have grown in popularity. These versatile lifelines lock-up when a worker falls, substantially reducing fall distances. In comparison, popular 6 foot shock absorbing lanyards can extend up to 10 feet in length when fully deployed, which may be too long for many situations.

 

#4: Create a Rescue Plan

Rescuing a fallen worker quickly is often the difference between a non-injury fall and a serious injury, or in extreme cases, death. Trained workers must rescue a fallen worker as soon as possible, but certainly in less than 15 minutes following a fall. The longer the worker hangs in a harness before being rescued, the worse the injuries are likely to be. To prevent shock or suspension trauma caused by venous pooling, the worker needs to keep his or her legs moving or use one of the commercially available suspension trauma strap systems to relieve pressure from their femoral arteries. These suspension trauma straps are available as a component or can be retrofitted to almost any harness.

 

Every company performing work at heights should have a rescue plan, the proper rescue equipment and properly trained rescue workers. Taking these precautionary steps can be the difference between life and death for the fallen worker.

 

No Margin for Error

Although the most important cost to consider when developing a fall protection plan is a worker’s pain, suffering and diminished quality of life, other economic costs are relevant. Each year, companies lose millions of dollars due to lost work, insurance premiums, litigation and liability claims as a result of falls that could, and should, have been prevented. When it comes to fall protection, there is no margin for error. Protecting your workers calls for well thought-out safety procedures and should be a top priority for your business.

 

James Preacher is a regional director with Capital Safety, home of the DBI-SALA® and PROTECTA® brands and a leading designer and manufacturer of height safety and fall protection equipment. Capital Safety offers training courses, with multiple operating sites worldwide and a passionate commitment to quality, innovation and safety. James can be reached at (800) 328-6146, via e-mail at [email protected] or visit www.capitalsafety.com.

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