According to OSHA, falls are one of the most common causes of work related injuries and deaths. But did you also know that many of these accidents can be prevented? Most falls aren't from terribly high roofs. Most falls are from ladders and roofs less than 10 feet high.
So what does this mean for you? How can you know if your building is safe or if there are hidden hazards that need to be addressed? Our safety experts at General Safety Services have compiled a list of 10 things to look for that could be hidden hazards at your job site. Knowing what to look for and assessing the situation is the first step in fall safety.
1. Roof Stability – Inspect the roof thoroughly for stability and ho
w much weight it can handle. It might look fine at a glance but a roof can become unstable and collapse as a result age, weathering, and other factors.
2. Electrical Hazards – Check carefully for any power lines that might be affected by the work, and note their locations.
3. Ladder Use – Ladder placement and how a ladder is used are crucial. Are your teams trained and secure in their ladder skills?
4. Look Out Below – Injuries occur not just from people falling, b
ut people on the ground are at risk for having things fall on them. Is your area below cleared and protected from falling debris?
5. Holes and Skylights – A fall can happen through the roof as much as from the roof. Assess any skylights or other openings such as penetrations awaiting an ac installation. Mark them carefully and protect workers from falling through them.
6. What's the Weather? – What will the weather conditions
be like the day of the job? Assess for snow, ice, slippery conditions, wind gusts, and also sun glare.
7. Assess the Roof Internally – What you see on the outside might not be what's happening on the inside. Inspect the roof internally, review the drawings, and look for any possible weaknesses.
8. On the Edge – Check all roof edges, and whether they're protected with guard rails or other necessary fall protection. It's not uncommon for someone to lose their perspective and step dangerously close to the edge.
9. Equipment – Your fall arrest systems and other safety equipment needs to be in tip-top shape. Are the lanyards the right length? Are the roof anchors secure? And equally as important, all workers must be skilled and thoroughly trained on how to use the equipment that can save their lives.
10. Get Expert Fall Safety Services – Now that you have this checklist of 10 possible hazards to look for, you will need safety experts to assess each situation and recommend solutions needed. Whether you need inspections, equipment rentals, permanent installation, consultations, or training – General Safety Services can help you. And help save lives.
Give us a call and let us know how we can help. After-all, Safety is Our Middle Name.