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March 2022

Fall Protection and Safety Tips

By Workplace Safety

Prioritizing workers safety is key in helping reduce the rate of injuries and deaths in the construction industry. Did you know that falls are the leading cause of death and injury among construction workers? According to OSHA, Falls account for 34 % of all construction deaths. Eliminating falls in construction would save more than 300 lives every year. 

Three Points of Contact

Placing a strong focus on training and educating workers on the proper techniques while operating construction equipment is crucial. Techniques like three points of contact can make a great difference when it comes to reducing falls. The three points of contact rule means that three out of four limbs are in contact at all times with wherever piece of equipment you are using (vehicle, ladder, platform, etc).

The idea behind the three points of contact rule is to create a triangle with the body. For instance, two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. See image below to get a better illustration : 

In addition to the three points of contact rule, other safety tips workers should keep in mind while working at heights include :

  • Keep your hands free while climbing and don’t try to carry items 
  • Go slow and keep your focus while climbing up/down
  • Make sure to wear appropriate footwear with a good grip 
  • Do not jump off any platforms or heights
  • Always be facing the ladder or piece of equipment that you’re climbing
  • Wear fall protection gear
  • Frequently evaluate and inspect equipment 

Also, when working on equipment like aerial lifts, construction workers should never climb on the platforms edge. Guardrails are used to protect workers from falling and workers should not be leaning over or reaching over the edge. Doing so not only puts the worker in risk of falling, but also the lift at risk of tipping over. Although, it is tempting to want to lean over to reach something that is just out of your reach, it could be life-threatening. The best and safest solution is to lower the lift and move the entire machine. 

At Losi and Gangi, we believe that maximizing the safety of everyone is always the number one priority at any worksite. If you have recently suffered from a fall on the job, contact Losi and Gangi at 716-854-1446 for a free consultation. We will make sure you are represented fairly throughout every step of your case. 

Article Adapted from : bigrentz.com