It is very important for workers performing tasks at dangerous heights to wear the right type of fall protection gear. The situations that call for this type of gear are many and varied, and take place in various industries and locations. For instance, this type of gear may be necessary for employees who work on an oil rig, in a warehouse, or other industrial or construction sites. The key feature of an overall safety protection system for workers is a fall protection harness.
These devices allow workers to raise and lower their positions in a very efficient and safe manner. They are also highly useful in urgent emergency situations such as those involving the rescuing of people from danger or harm.
The Fall Protection System
Fall arrest or fall protection systems use the fall protection harness as mentioned above and feature several elements to help keep workers safe. These include:
Body wear support: This protective device is worn over the body and distributes the load in an even manner across the body – something that is very important for the comfort and safety of the worker.
Anchor points: The fall arrest system is attached to these points or positions. The anchors involved can include cable chokers and roof anchors.
Rescue devices for making descents: These devices are used if/when a fall occurs and enable the individual wearing the device to quickly travel to the person who has fallen.
Connectors: Connecting the anchor point to the harness, these devices absorb the shock of a fall if one occurs
Fall Arrest Systems and OSHA Safety Requirements
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a list of requirements that are incumbent upon companies who have individuals working at specific type levels follow. At certain minimum heights, and based on the industry at hand, specific types of fall protection are required to be used.
Specific examples of the minimum height at which fall protection devices are required to be used:
General industry scenarios – 4 feet
Shipyards – 5 feet
Construction sites – 6 feet
Longshoring applications – 8 feet
If an employee is performing any type of work above hazardous equipment, fall protection devices, which may include a fall protection harness is required to be used regardless of the height involved.
The safety of workers and the protection of human life in general are the reasons for using a fall protection system on the job. If the systems are not employed, serious injuries can potentially incur. It’s important to use the systems as well as the fall protection harness as required in order to provide proper safety for employees.
