The moment we engage a new work-at-height project, it is a good time to assess how we are doing it and whether it is necessary to take different measures for this new work. As much as height activities are similar, the same equipment and risk analysis will not always be the same.
It is no secret that falls have been the leading cause of accidents with fatalities in construction and industry, and we have long been reminded that fall protection takes first place in the attention of companies and professionals because of this high rate of occurrences. Somehow, we are not getting this and as 2018 unfolds, I quote below some points you should consider to help you do your part in work routine to prevent falls.
Planning for fall protection:
In my experience, the lack of adequate fall protection stems a lot from a lack of planning. When evaluating your next job, look at the plans, the activity site, take pictures, develop a safe and compatible method of fall protection! Acquire the appropriate equipment for the activity, train workers, and implement the protection plans properly, don’t just believe that working at height is only about belts and lanyards.
However, when we leave fall protection to last-minute field decisions, it is rare that the equipment is adequate and available, or that the workers, even if they are not feeling the pressure of the schedule to get the job done, finish it. They start working anyway and without worrying about procedures, such as using the proper belt, lanyard or lifeline, and even where to anchor themselves. Believe me, I have seen workers anchored to cable trays or conduits. Will this hold up in a possible fall?
In some cases, workers have the proper equipment and want to do the right thing, but are not properly trained, and thinking they are “doing the right thing” can have disastrous results.
Selecting the proper anchorage points and determining fall-free zones are not things that an untrained person will know how to do properly.
All of this is eliminated when we plan.
Hércules has a team of highly skilled professionals to assist you in these issues and in choosing fall protection equipment. Contact us and let’s work together to make working at height safer and with less risk of accidents.
Enjoy and share this information with all professionals and we will have less and less people being put in unnecessary risks.