Tips To Prevent Falls at Your Job Site

Anybody who has spent time in the construction industry can tell you that there are many occupational hazards unique to the position. The most dangerous of these threats is falls, which account for more worksite fatalities each year than any other hazard. Even a routine slip can result in serious injury and missed work time. Here are some tips to prevent falls at your job site to keep you and the rest of your crew safe.

Plan Everything Ahead

Just like most things in life, planning is key. This is especially true in the construction industry, where the slightest misstep could mean the difference between life and death. When doing any sort of work that involves leaving any elevation, it’s best to plan everything out while both feet are firmly planted on the ground. This begins during the planning stages by ensuring that all proper safety equipment and tools are ready and available before beginning. It can also be necessary to monitor the job site to make sure that it remains clear of any unnecessary debris. Finally, make sure that you do the job quickly and efficiently to avoid putting yourself or anyone else at unnecessary risk.

All the Right Tools

Ensuring that you have the right tools for the job is crucial for preventing falls. Most regulations require workers who are more than six feet off the ground to make use of a personal fall arrest system. These systems typically include the use of a fall protection rope that can stop a fall from happening. Other tools that can help prevent falls include safety harnesses, auto-lock carabiners, and proper safety padding. Another key with your tools is to ensure that they are in proper working order, replacing any that become worn, damaged, or have previously been involved in a fall prevention incident. Finally, make sure that you are using the correct tool for the job, and be careful not to use any equipment outside of its intended purpose to avoid putting yourself or others at risk of a fall.

Training and Education

The best tools in the world won’t do anybody any good if they aren’t used properly. Part of this means ensuring that all proper safety protocols are followed. Educating yourself and others on proper fall prevention techniques can also help ensure that avoidable falls do not occur. Continued training and additional education of workers can help keep workers aware of any new safety recommendations to keep them safe and on their feet. Lastly, try to learn from others on the job. Many times, those who have been doing a job for the longest can offer tips to prevent falls at your job site that many newer or younger crew members may not have considered.