When it comes to fall protection, educating crew members about safety risks and procedures is the first line of defense. But there are also safety solutions that can lower the risk of falls when carrying out construction and concrete work. These safety adjustments not only make job sites safer, but they can also help prevent citations stemming from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspections. Each year OSHA publishes the top 10 most frequently cited standards, and in 2020, fall protection topped the list. Here are some ways to mitigate the risk of falls on a job site — and they make great safety toolbox talks.
Ladder Safety
Crew members may say they feel confident about their ability to use a ladder, but it’s always a good idea to provide a refresher on ladder safety. Ladders that are custom made or built on-site should be built to withstand the weight and pressure of any people, equipment or materials that will be carried on them. Locking ladders and ladders used on stairs or uneven surfaces need to be tested before use. Even though this sounds obvious, it’s a safety consideration crews often overlook — and ladder falls are among the most common preventable injuries on work sites.
Guardrails
Any work area higher than six feet above ground level should have guardrails installed to help prevent falls. Guardrails should have a top and mid-rail to add sturdiness and prevent anyone from falling through the space under the top guardrail. Guardrails can be made from lumber or cable (cable systems are easy to install) and they should be able to resist at least 200 pounds. Place flags every six feet along the top rail for extra visibility.
Warning Lines
If it’s not possible to install a guardrail, use warning lines to keep people from getting too close to the edge of a flat roof or building surface. It can also be used to keep people away from trenches and holes, although orange plastic safety fencing is usually more effective on the ground level. Warning lines should be installed at least six feet from an unsafe edge and should be at least 34 inches high for maximum visibility.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Invest in personal fall arrest systems for any crew members working higher than six feet above ground level. These harness and lanyard systems save lives, and it’s important to train crew members on their proper use. Body harnesses should fit snugly and the D-ring at the back of the harness should always be double-checked to make sure it’s properly secured. It’s a good idea to have a quarterly or biannual safety talk refresher to remind crew members to properly adjust their harness and only attach to approved anchorage points.
At General Chipping, we believe safety is the top priority on a worksite. Our crews do a lot of silo cleaning work where fall protection and prevention are major safety concerns. Hopefully these safety tips inspire some fodder for toolbox talks — and keep your crew members better protected. Contact us if you’d like more information on how we use fall protection in our work — or if you’re interested in learning more about our company’s concrete chipping, silo cleaning and central mixer cleaning services.
