Fall Protection
Background
"In 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 1,224 construction workers died on the job, with 36 percent of those fatalities resulting from falls. Events surrounding these types of accidents often involve a number of factors, including unstable working surfaces, misuse of fall protection equipment, and human error. Studies have shown that the use of guardrails, fall arrest systems, safety nets, covers, and travel restriction systems can prevent many deaths and injuries from falls." (Source: OSHA).
When is Fall Protection Required?
Whenever a University employee engaged in construction/maintenance activities is exposed to a potential fall of 6 feet or greater from an unprotected side or edge, the OSHA Fall Protection Standard for Construction applies (29 CFR 1926.501). OSHA mandates that the University select either a guardrail system, safety net system or personal fall arrest system to protect the worker from a fall. Examples of common work tasks requiring fall protection equipment include: roofing, work from scaffolds and articulating boom trucks, and work around holes - including skylights.
Other University operations involving fall hazards are covered under the OSHA General Industry Standard for Walking-Working Surfaces, Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes (29 CFR 1910.23). Guardrails are required around any open-sided floor or work platform 4 or more feet above the adjacent floor. All floor holes and skylight openings must be guarded.
Contacts and Training
Please contact Mark Pace at x4111 or for more information, or visit the OSHA website.