A fall arrest system is required if any risk exists that a worker may fall from an elevated position, as a general rule, the fall arrest system should be used any time a working height of four feet or more is reached. A full-body harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard or a retractable lifeline is the only product recommended. A full-body harness distributes the forces throughout the body, and the shock-absorbing lanyard decreases the total fall arresting forces.
According to the National Safety Council, falls are one of the leading causes of deaths in the workplace and each year injuries and deaths are reported that can be attributed to work related falls. Permanent injuries and lost lives are devastating, that’s why choosing the proper device is vital. Higher insurance premiums, workers’ compensation claims, and other costly related expenses are also something your business will experience if you do not have the proper safety equipment in place.
The Height of Protection
Choosing a fall protection harness should be compliant according to OSHA and designed for durability and comfort. When a harness is literally a part of your life, you do not want something that does not fit properly or is second best. Just like any other equipment that is being used at the jobsite, the employer must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using this device properly and safely. Training and frequent inspection of the equipment for proper use and safety precautions is always advisable to ensure worker safety.
Protecting the Worker from Injury
Falls are the leading cause of accidents in the workplace and can cause painful injuries, lost time, and lost money. Your workers must be protected with the proper fall protection harnesses and lanyards. OSHA has established a variety of guidelines for fall protection, designed to involve both employers and workers, in an ongoing effort to ensure workplace safety and protection. Whenever a worker is at a height of more than 4 feet, a hazard exists and must be addressed. If the hazard cannot be removed, workers should be provided with and trained to use personal protective equipment. Protecting the worker is the number one goal.