In the construction world, there is always the possibility of falls. Although some accidents are inevitable, taking steps to minimize the chance of falling on the job can help keep your workers safe and productive, while also keeping insurance costs low. At Nationwide Ladder, we are in the business of selling construction equipment like ladders and scaffolding – both of which elevate your employees. With this in mind, we’re also dedicated to providing you with the know-how to keep you safe while using our products. Fall protection is vital when using equipment like ladders and scaffolding.
Fall Elimination
The first type of fall protection is fall elimination, which means finding ways to complete the job without putting yourself at risk for a fall. For construction workers, this could mean doing as much work as you can on the ground before moving upward. But for some, being above the ground is part of the job. In this case, you should look towards fall prevention.
Fall Prevention
This second type of protection is fall prevention, which means minimizing the chance of an accident while in the air. At Nationwide Ladder, this is our specialty. We sell lanyards, harnesses, anchors, and other safety equipment to decrease the chance of a fall. Workers are encouraged to read all safety materials before using any high equipment. Fall prevention has two types: fall restraint and guarding. Guarding is the use of barricades and guard rails to minimize falls, while restraint involves using personal protective equipment to prevent an accident.
Fall Arrest
The next layer of protection is fall arrest. This involves stopping a person who has already fallen from descending further or slowing them enough to prevent injury. There are also two categories: personal and general. Personal fall arrest uses things such as lifelines and rope grabs, while general equipment traditionally is netting.
Administrative Controls
The last type of security is administrative controls. These measures do not keep an employee from falling, but they can take preemptive steps to protect workers. For example, administrative controls can include a safety advisor who watches the site, or a warning line close to the edge. Teaching employees about proper safety policies and procedures are also a form of administrative control.
These types of fall protection should all be employed in some form on the job site, but safety materials are only effective if used correctly. Visit us at one of our three locations in MA, ME or NH to learn more about how to protect yourself and your workers from harm.
