The Importance of Fall Protection

Fall protection is the most frequently cited OSHA violation, according to OSHA. It is a topic that is not to be taken lightly as it can cause serious injuries and occasionally death. In fact, according to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction. This makes fall protection essential for workplaces. With a proper plan, equipment, and training, fall-related incidents are preventable. Today, we are taking the time to understand the importance of fall protection as it relates to OSHA and keeping your employees safe on ladders.

Reviewing Recent Incidents

To understand the importance of fall protection, it’s helpful to take a look at recent incidents. One involved a fatal fall as a result of the employer failing to provide a proper personal fall arrest system (PFAS) in addition to fall prevention training.

This incident is more than a statistic; it is an unfortunate example of what can occur when safety is neglected. Regarding the incident, an OSHA area director stated, “Had this young worker’s employer required the use of a personal fall arrest system, a family would not be grieving this terrible loss.”

The accident resulted in a proposed penalty of more than $200,000.

READ MORE ON OSHA.GOV: US Department of Labor investigation of 21-year-old worker’s fatal fall finds Burleson roofing contractor again ignored fall safety requirement

Another recent example resulted in a fatal fall and three serious injuries due to a lack of PFAS.

“We can only hope a tragedy like this deters future violations by this employer and others and sends a message that failing to protect workers can cause irreversible harm and lead to significant financial and legal consequences,” said a regional solicitor.

This incident resulted in a penalty of more than $80,000.

READ MORE ON OSHA.GOV: US Department of Labor reaches settlement agreement with Ohio insulation contractor to resolve citations after fatal fall, workers’ injuries in 2020

 

Prioritizing Safety with Fall Protection

Whether for ladders, rooftop walkway systems, or more, fall protection should be a priority in any workplace where it’s applicable, not just for the sake of OSHA compliance, but also to avoid preventable tragedies that affect businesses and families alike.

Find Your Fall Protection Solution

Contact DCI Today

Design Components has decades of experience supplying organizations with systems, such as rooftop walkways and ladders, that meet and exceed strict OSHA standards. To speak with an expert ready to help you, give us a call today at (800) 868-9910 or by requesting a quote on our website. Learn more by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.