Mitigating fall hazards to enhance safety and compliance begins with awareness.
The data on trauma injuries that occurred in 2020 shows that slips, trips, and falls contributed to 18% of the total 1,176,340 nonfatal work injuries that resulted in missed workdays. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 850 cases of fatal workplace injuries in the US caused by slips, trips, and falls in 2021.
For the thirteenth consecutive year, Fall Protection was the most-cited violation recorded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 2023. The general requirement rule mandates that fall protection must be provided at elevations of 4 feet in general industry, 5 feet in shipyards, 6 feet in construction, and 8 feet in long shoring operations.
The statistics and safety trends that indicate a lack of fall protection are concerning. However, what’s even more shocking is the core reason behind the most devastating falls – a lack of awareness. Identifying, anticipating and mitigating fall hazards greatly reduces or eliminates work-related injuries.
The most effective method to prevent falls are initial and periodic fall hazard assessments.
Creating Safe and OSHA/ANSI-Compliant Workplaces Begins with a Clipboard and a Pair of Comfortable (Steel Toe) Shoes
A fall hazard assessment is more than just a safety inspection. It is an evaluation of work-at-height tasks conducted by a competent person. A “competent person” is experienced in identifying existing and predictable dangerous hazards in working conditions and work behavior and who has the authorization to determine prompt corrective measures to mitigate them.
The primary objective of these assessments is to determine the need for Personal Protective Equipment while performing work tasks. The most effective approach involves identifying hazards, assessing risks, and providing recommendations for addressing any findings in the best possible way.
The difference between a HAZARD and a RISK
In the context of a fall hazard assessment, a hazard refers to an activity that could lead to a fall, while risk primarily implies the likelihood of such an event happening. To distinguish between the two, it is important to note that hazards are identified, whereas risks are evaluated. In other words, during the assessment, the risk associated with a hazard is evaluated. At least three factors are examined.
- the likelihood that an event will occur (frequency of exposure to the hazard is one factor used in determining how likely it is to take place – hourly, daily, weekly, annually)
- the severity of potential outcomes (potentially dangerous or potentially deadly)
- the number of workers who might be exposed (one or multiple)
Methods to eliminate or control risk
Based on the hierarchy of controls, fall protection programs will be managed through a five-tiered approach.
1. The highest priority should be given to eliminating fall hazards wherever possible.
2. The second priority is to install and use passive fall restraints such as guardrails and barriers to prevent falls.
3. The third priority is to use active work restraint systems such as horizontal lifelines to prevent falls.
4. The fourth priority is to deploy fall arrest systems to prevent severe injuries in the event of a fall.
5. As a last resort, establishing a controlled access zone such as warning line to inform workers of fall hazards that should be considered.
When it is not possible to eliminate a fall hazard by replacing a risky work routine, behavior, or task with a safer one, the next best protection method is to control the hazard through passive or active means. The middle three categories of the Hierarchy of Fall Protection can take various forms, ranging from standard fall protection systems, products, and equipment to custom-engineered solutions. These can be as simple as rooftop railings and guards that prevent employees from falling off roofs when serviceable equipment is too close to an unprotected edge, to overhead platforms and elevated workstations in industrial environments that replace ladders and scaffolding for performing work at height tasks.
Taking the guesswork out of assessments
Organizations must arrive at fair judgments on work-at-height risks and understand practical ways to control hazards. While checklists, YouTube videos, and blog articles are excellent resources, partnering with fall protection specialists like Lighthouse Safety is the most efficient way to ensure worker safety and compliance at your facility.
You can request a fall protection specialist to visit your facility and thoroughly assess your site’s fall exposures. Lighthouse will provide findings from most hazardous to least hazardous and offer at least two solutions for each hazard exposure.
With a specialization in engineered systems, our knowledge of all fall protection measures goes far beyond addressing regulations and standards. Our practical safety solutions provide peace of mind and lead to operational efficiency.
Contact our fall protection experts to tell us about your safety concerns, learn about our fall protection services, or schedule your Hazard Assessment today!
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