Design Components, Inc., The Leading Provider of OSHA Fall Protection Ladders
Roofing companies are consistently in the top 10 industries with the most workplace deaths. In fact, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 90 percent of construction worker deaths are related to falls. It’s a serious issue, and OSHA has taken notice. Its goal is to ensure that workers in this industry are as safe as possible through better fall protection, but not all companies take their guidelines seriously. Design Components, Inc., the trusted provider of fall protection ladders, offers some insights into how roofing companies can operate safely, keeping employees and in OSHA compliance.
Company Cited
As reported in an OSHA news release dated September 27, another roofing company has been cited for fall protection violations. A company out of New Jersey was cited for allegedly failing to provide adequate fall protection, putting its employees at risk of serious injury or death. The company now faces stiff penalties.
Many companies mistakenly believe that providing basic fall protection measures is enough to meet OSHA guidelines, but that isn’t the case. There are numerous guidelines and standards that must be met, and it’s imperative that companies understand the differences between them. For example, a company may install simple safety harnesses or lanyards, but more is needed to satisfy OSHA requirements. The agency guidelines state that all employees who require fall protection must use a personal fall arrest system, which includes a body harness, a lanyard, and an anchorage point to support the system.
It’s important to note that these violations are not specific to any state or region. They occur across the country and are a large part of the reason why so many construction workers continue to lose their lives each year. In one recent example, a worker in Tennessee lost his life after falling 40 feet from a roof. He was not wearing proper fall protection at the time of his fall.
List of OSHA fall protection guidelines for roofing companies:
- Provide proper fall protection equipment, including body harnesses, lanyards, and anchorage points.
- Ensure all employees requiring fall protection are trained on how to use the equipment properly.
- Conduct regular inspections of fall protection systems to ensure they are in good condition.
- Have a plan in place for rescuing an employee who has fallen and is suspended in their harness.
- Construct roofs with safe access points and ensure that they are properly guarded.
- Ensure that workers are trained in fall prevention and the safe handling of equipment and materials.
- Keep all work areas clean and free of clutter that could create tripping hazards.
- Provide adequate lighting to ensure that workers can see potential fall hazards.
- Should take every measure to eliminate potential fall hazards, including installing guardrails and safety nets where practical.
Good News For Roofing Companies
The good news is that there are steps roofing companies can take to ensure that they are providing proper and adequate fall protection. One of those steps is partnering with a reliable and knowledgeable fall protection product provider like Design Components Inc. Our company has been in business for over 40 years with expertise in providing OSHA Fall Protection Ladders and products. We offer many products to keep workers safe, including our flagship, the METALWALK® Rooftop Walkway System.
Our products have been tested and certified to meet the highest safety standards, and we are committed to ensuring that our customers have the knowledge and tools they need to provide proper fall protection. We can also help companies navigate the complex world of OSHA regulations, ensuring that they comply while also keeping their employees safe.
Ready To Protect Your Roofing Company And Employees? Contact Us Now or Call Us at (800) 868-9910.
