Between 1st July 2003 to 30th June 2011, 232 workers were killed in falls. This represents 11% of all workplace related fatalities that occurred within that period. On construction sites falls are the lead cause of fatalities and result in longer times off the job than all other serious injuries.
Failure to follow workplace safety procedures, a lack of proper safety gear or not knowing how to use equipment are key causes of fatal falls.
When to use fall protection
Fall protection equipment and practices should be used whenever you or your staff are working from an elevated position.
Buildings may have safe systems for working at heights in place such as parapet walls on commercial buildings, walkways or guardrails. Where there are no alternative practical means of access, fall protection equipment may be required.
Different scenarios require different equipment. As well as using the best job-specific equipment, companies and employees also need to ensure they are knowledgeable about the products they use so that safety is maintained. foundU promotes safe working at heights practices and ensures staff are experienced and qualified to perform such work.
Choosing fall protection equipment
Fall arrest
In any circumstances where an employee may fall from an elevated position, a fall arrest system is required. Fall arrest systems only come into service when an actual fall occurs; in other words, the device is designed to arrest a fall in progress. A typical fall arrest system is composed of a full-body harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard or retractable lifeline, an anchor point, and a means of rescue.
Work positioning / restraint technique
A positioning system holds the employee in place while keeping their hands free to work, whereas a restraint system allows a worker to move towards an edge but not fall. It's important to remember that under AS/NZS1891.4, while a positioning system is not specifically designed to arrest a fall, all of the equipment used in the work position must be rated for fall arrest. This covers the possibility of a staff member accidentally falling and needing arrest.
Suspension
Suspension equipment lowers and supports an employee while providing a hands-free work environment. A suspension system's components are also not required to arrest a free fall, so it's crucial to use a backup fall arrest system in conjunction with a suspension system in the event of a fall.
Training: It's Vital
Quality training is mandatory for any person who performs work at heights. Without such training, workers may not fully understand the severe consequences of a fall, including the possibility of serious injury or death.
Staff need to know that fall protection equipment is comfortable and easy to use. They need to feel confident when asking for help on how to use the equipment. It is important to instil the value of fall protection training within your workforce and build a strong safety culture like foundU.
This article adapted from www.infolink.com.au
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