KnowHow

Processes For Growing Restoration Companies

Construction is among the most dangerous industries and in recent years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there are more than 800 fatal on the job injuries to construction workers annually - more than any other single industry. Many workers may be surprised to hear that about 2 out of every 3 are falls from less than 20 feet high. Workers should be very aware of their work at any height, and this process will help with building that awareness.

Avoid Falls

OSHA Standard 1926.501(b)(1) states that each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1.8m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.
OSHA Standard 1926.451(g)(1) states that each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1m) above a lower level shall be protected from falling to that lower level.
OSHA Standard 1926.1053(b)(13): The top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step.

Understand the relevant OSHA standards

Fall hazards can be found in a variety of activities:
<ul>
<li>Working from ladders</li>
<li>Near excavations or pier hole</li>
<li>Using makeshift platforms or scaffold like surfaces including buckets</li>
<li>Inside of attics or overhead crawlspaces</li>
<li>During road construction on bridges and overpasses</li>
<li>Work on roof tops, near skylights, or floor holes</li>
<li>On scaffolding, scissor, or boom lifts</li>
</ul>

Recognize where fall hazards can be found

Workers must recognize possible fall hazards, especially when working at heights above 6' from a lower level. In general construction activities, fall protection is required when working at heights above 6' from a lower level.
<ul>
<li>If unprotected sides and edges exist, a guardrail may be an option to prevent fall hazards.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Workers should never be exposed to a fall hazard without proper fall protection in place!</li>
<li>Fall hazards at ground level must be protected.</li>
<li>Barricades, temporary barriers, and warning lines may help alert workers to possible hazards.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Danger, warning, and caution signs must be used properly to warn workers of the potential fall hazards present.&nbsp;</li>
<li>When working on scaffolds employees must have fall protection, such as guardrails, installed when they are more than 10' above a lower level.</li>
</ul>

Recognize possible fall hazards and work to prevent them

<ul>
<li>Never work near unprotected skylights, sides, or edges.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Supervisors and workers should perform a walk around inspection of their site before starting work to find any possible fall hazards.&nbsp;</li>
<li>All workers using man lifts such as telescopic boom lifts or other types of aerial lifts should have training prior to use.</li>
<li>Fall protection as required by the manufacturer of the lift must be worn when working on articulating and extensible boom lifts to avoid being thrown out of the basket of the lift.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Workers need fall protection when working near any unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet or more above a lower level.&nbsp;</li>
<li>All workers need to have training to recognize and avoid potential fall hazards</li>
<li>Never stand on the top step of a step ladder.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Always face the ladder when climbing up or down the ladder and working.</li>
</ul>
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Follow these general safety principles

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Spot the potential fall hazards in these photos

Watch the OSHA training video to learn about the specific safety regulations and guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for fall prevention in the construction industry.