Safety Tip of the Day!

 

SAFETY TIP OF THE DAY!

FALL PROTECTION

 

Fall Safety Training

Train the employees in all safety procedures and equipment. Post written instructions that are clear and written in the different languages so all your employees can read them. The person who does the training needs know the equipment and job well. It should be consistent training across the board. Even the most obvious safety procedures need to be addressed, such as wearing a hard hat and proper use of tools of the trade.

Fall Safety Inspections

Before any work begins, any fall or tripping hazards need to be identified and fixed. Look for open holes in building construction such as skylights, stair openings, shafts and roof openings. Close them up or mark them with a barrier so they can be immediately recognized. Remove power cords out of walking areas or secure them according to OSHA standards to the floors if there is no other option. Keep air hoses and welding leads out of walkways. Use fall equipment when fall hazards cannot be eliminated. Use the proper fall equipment for the job you are doing, again according to OSHA standards. Inspect fall equipment, harnesses, ropes and any other devices used on your job for defects and replace them as needed. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution and replace.

Ladder and Handrail Safety

Ladders present a frequent fall hazard on jobs. Never stand on the top rung of a ladder or the top step of a stepladder. Before anyone climbs a ladder, the ladder should be secured and stabilized. Instruct your employees to use the handrails provided on the job site for going up and down stairs or any other area where they are installed for a safe walk over.

Monitor Employees' Safety Behavior

Inspect your employees' use of safety equipment and safety procedures to see if they are doing this appropriately. If they are not, instruct them on how to do it correctly. Keeping an eye out for employees who cut corners around the safety procedures may prevent injury or even save a life. Write the employees a warning if they are skipping the safety steps because it is easier. This will make it more likely that they will do it correctly next time if they want to keep their job. This will also be an example for the other employees.