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Despite the duty and legal requirement for all employers to provide OSHA-compliant fall protection systems for roofs, walking-working surfaces, ladders, stairs, and other work areas, violations of these safety regulations remain common. In fact, the most common OSHA violation is failure to meet fall protection requirements. This is particularly the case in the construction industry, but fall protection has been consistently at the number one spot in the Top 10 Violations list across all industries for the last 11 years. It's so common that there are more than twice the number of citations issued for this as the number two violation, which is respiratory protection.
Keeping employees safe and avoiding OSHA violations are every manager's duty. Even a minor mistake or lapse in fall protection systems can turn into a serious issue, so you must always remain focused on safety. To avoid accidents, injuries, regulatory violations, and potential penalties, you want to stay compliant with OSHA regulations.
OSHA inspectors have always been on the lookout for violations pertaining to fall protection because it's such an important factor in workplace safety. It's a huge concern for regulators and it should be a top priority for you as well.
It is vitally important to provide safety protocols like OSHA-compliant fall protection for roofs and indoor elevated spaces. Remember that in general industry, per OSHA 1910.28, you must provide fall protection any time workers perform duties at a height of 4' or more above the walking/working surface. In the construction industry, per OSHA 1926.501, fall protection is required at heights of 6' or more. Fall protection systems for roofs may involve:
Guardrail systems
Safety gates
Skylight protection
Personal Protective Equipment
Horizontal lifelines
Warning lines
Safety nets
It certainly doesn't sound good when you hear that fall protection standards are the ones most often not met by employers. But this is certainly the case. The reasons for violations are varied, but roof work triggers more violations than any other activity. Some of the reasons this may be the case include:
A general lack of attention towards fall hazards
Not providing and using fall protection equipment
Employees working on low slope and steep roofs without a proper roof fall system in place
Working on unprotected leading edges during construction or repair of roofs is another reason for citations
The last thing you want is for an employee to fall from an unprotected height. Yet, it's often necessary for workers to be near or at the edge of a roof during their tasks. In order to prevent employees from being injured from falls, there are some key fall protection system elements you should have.
While there are no specific criteria for what type of fall protection systems for roofs you should use, the most common is a guardrail system. Where feasible, installing OSHA guardrails (those compliant with the OSHA regulations) around the perimeter of the roof, at the leading edge, and around other openings is recommended. To meet OSHA standards, your roof fall protection system railings must comply with the following requirements:
Top rails must be 42" (+ or - 3") above the walking surface.
Without failure, top rails must be able to withstand 200 lbs. of downward force.
Midrails are required to handle 150 lbs. of outward or downward force.
Railings have to be smooth and snag free to avoid scratching workers or grabbing clothing.
In addition to a safety railing, self-closing industrial gates should be used for access.
Some of the biggest fall hazards present on a rooftop aren't at the leading edge. Roof openings such as hatches and skylights can pose a major falling risk.
Remember to:
Install skylight guards to prevent workers from falling through if they walk on the skylight.
Use a guardrail system and swing gate to protect workers from uneven rooftop surfaces.
Enclose rooftop equipment such as HVAC systems with a safety railing to prevent access.
Incorporate a ladder safety system to keep workers safe when climbing to the rooftop.
Whether in a warehouse or on a construction site, it's sometimes necessary for workers to traverse elevated walkways to access different areas of the project. There may also be a need to store inventory or equipment on a mezzanine. As with the leading edge of the rooftop, it's important to incorporate an OSHA compliant fall protection system on walkways and mezzanines that includes:
An OSHA-compliant safety railing installed around the exposed edges of the walkway or mezzanine.
OSHA guardrails that meet the standards for height, strength, and smoothness.
A toeboard installed around every opening to prevent falling objects.
Elevated surface access points such as fixed ladders need to be protected with a ladder safety system.
While passive fall protection like a safety railing will provide protection for employees in most situations, this isn't always the case. If you're unable to use OSHA guardrails due to space limitations or other issues, you need to incorporate other means of fall protection. Whether used independently or in conjunction with passive fall protection PPE should include:
A well-fitted safety harness
Lanyard
Lifeline
Connectors
You're aware of your obligation to provide a workplace that's free of known dangers, and you know that it's no easy task to keep up with OSHA regulations while trying to keep a busy business facility running. But you also know OSHA inspectors are paying special attention to fall protection violations. You must stay compliant, or you'll face stiff fines and penalties. Not only that, but non-compliance puts your employees and your company at risk.
Don't guess when it comes to making a decision about what types of fall protection systems for roofs or other areas of your facility you should use. Contact BlueWater today to discuss your fall protection needs with one of our qualified safety specialists. We'll help you determine if OSHA guardrails are appropriate or if you need additional indoor or roof fall protection equipment. Our experts are well-versed in OSHA requirements for all types of fall protection devices, and we are happy to assist you.