Don’t Fall Out Of Compliance: What You Need To Know About Fall Protection
Falls don’t have to happen from 30 feet in the air to have dangerous implication. In fact most falls happen at floor level. Same-level slips, trips, and falls are occupational hazards that can be found in almost every type of work setting. In fact, according to the BLS, falls on the same level increased in 2013 for general industry and construction. Circumstances associated with falls in the work environment often include slippery, cluttered, or unstable walking/working surfaces. Remaining in the forefront of injuries and violations issued by OSHA, it seems even something as intuitive as making sure you are avoiding cracks in the floor or boxes on the ground takes a back seat, when rushing around during a hectic workday.
Slick surfaces are one of the most obvious hazards when it comes to slips, trips and falls in the workplace. With this time of year more attention is given to slick and icy parking lots and sidewalks but all year round wetness from the outside can be tracked inside and cause harmful injuries if not taken care of. Snow and ice are not the only types of wetness that create risk. Rain, a spill, even a recent clean up can cause problems.
Provide additional matting if tracking becomes a problem. During the winter months, have a prompt snow and ice removal plan with ice melt on hand and signage to help indicate to workers and visitors of areas that might be slick. If you need help deciding we have additional help here
Hidden obstacles both in and around your facility can also cause harm. Drains and curbs are often less visible in the winter due to snow buildup and less visibility during the shorter days. Inside when walking we aren’t always looking down or up leaving chords on the floor, uneven surfaces and unorganized clutter looming as easy tripping hazards.
Help cut down on these problems with adequate outdoor lighting, keeping your workplace organized with all chords and surfaces properly stored or made aware of.
In addition to the physical workplace hazards, workers may create their own same-level fall hazards by carrying large bundles. As a reminder, let workers know it is ok to make multiple trips, provide dollies or other material handling aids.
Creating a more aware workplace will create a safer work place. The bigger picture makes workers lose sight of small everyday occurrences that can have the same dangers as larger scale projects. Remind them of the daily safety practices, it may be surprising the type of impact one small change could have on your business.
Once you have your same level falls under control, then begin to see how working at heights affects your workers safety. As they begin to climb make sure your injury numbers don’t as well. To help workers stay safe NIOSH has created a ladder safety app to help prevent injuries. If you think this could help your workplace visit NIOSH Ladder Safety App for more information.