Falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities, with falls from height being the most common type of fall. Workers in construction, manufacturing, and other industries that involve working at height are especially vulnerable. That's why fall protection services are so important. Here are the top 10 reasons why you need fall protection services to keep your workers safe.
1. Compliance with Regulations:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all employers to provide employees with fall protection if their work area has an unprotected side or edge more than six feet high. OSHA defines a fall as "any instance where an employee is free-falling and/or has the potential for the impact which could cause injury." It also includes any instance where an employee could be pulled over an unprotected edge by a co-worker or equipment pull force exceeding their weight. The most common types of falls include:
- Falls from ladders or scaffolding;
- Falls from roofs;
- Falls through holes or windows;
- Falls into vats or pits; and
- Falls from heights greater than six feet above ground level or a lower level if there is no guardrail system.
2. Prevent Injuries:
Falls account for more than half of all nonfatal injuries in the workplace, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workers who fall from heights can suffer serious injuries or even death as a result of their falls. Falls can also cause permanent disability or even death if they occur while a worker is performing rescue operations at the scene of an accident. This is one of the major reasons why fall protection is necessary.
3. Save Lives:
Falls from heights often result in serious injury or death, especially when workers don't have adequate safety equipment or aren't trained properly for working at heights. A single worker falling from a height of just six feet could be killed instantly by the impact of the ground below. That is why fall protection equipment is necessary.
4. Reduce Liability:
If a worker is injured on your premises due to an accident involving a fall from a height, you could be held liable for damages. This can result in costly legal fees and insurance premiums if you're found liable for negligence in your site's safety measures. By implementing a strong safety program that includes fall protection services, you'll reduce your liability risk significantly and protect yourself against costly lawsuits down the line.
5. Increase Productivity:
Working at heights is not only dangerous but it can also be time-consuming. If a worker has to spend time moving around the site looking for a safe place to climb up or down, they will take longer to complete their job. A fall protection system can help reduce this time by providing safe access points to allow workers to get where they need to go quickly and easily.
6. Improve Morale:
Workers who feel that their employer cares about their safety are more likely to have high morale. Fall protection services can improve morale by demonstrating your commitment to worker safety.
7. Enhance Reputation:
Companies that prioritize worker safety have a better reputation in the industry. Fall protection services can enhance your company's reputation by showing that you take worker safety seriously.
8. Cost-effective:
While fall protection services require an initial investment, they can be cost-effective in the long run. Preventing injuries and fatalities can save your company money on medical bills, workers' compensation claims, and lawsuits.
9. Customized Solutions:
Fall protection services can be customized to meet the specific needs of your company. Whether you need guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems, fall protection tools can provide the solutions that work best for you.
10. Peace of Mind:
Finally, fall protection services can give you peace of mind, knowing that your workers are protected while working at height. This can help you focus on running your business without worrying about accidents and injuries.
Conclusion:
Fall protection services are essential for any company that has workers who work at height. They can help you comply with regulations, prevent injuries and fatalities, reduce liability, increase productivity and morale, enhance your reputation, and provide peace of mind. Don't let falls take a toll on your workers or your business – invest in fall protection services today.
