Industrial facilities from every industry employ more than 11 million people across the country. As an owner or manager of a manufacturing or other industrial facility, you are responsible for ensuring every single one of your workers is safe while on the job. In a multi-level facility full of equipment, machinery, and busy workers, fall protection should be at the top of the list of safety issues necessary to address. Following OSHA guidelines, using OSHA-compliant modular guardrail systems, industrial gates, and other OSHA-compliant fall protection devices keeps workers safe. Doing so can help you qualify for Voluntary Protection Program (“VPP”) recognition, which benefits you and your workers in numerous other ways. Continuing to learn about new ways to maintain your company’s OSHA compliance will be helpful to you in the long run.
What Is VPP and How Does It Work?
The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), established in 1970, is a way for OSHA to promote effective workplace safety and health initiatives. VPP sets performance-based criteria and then invites work sites to apply. Applications and on-site facilities are judged against the performance criteria by a team of OSHA health and safety experts. Sites can qualify for one of three VPP programs:
- Star – Provides recognition for employees and employers who demonstrate exemplary achievement in the prevention and control of occupational safety and health hazards. It is intended to encourage workers and organizations to participate in the development, implementation, and improvement of their safety and health management systems.
- Merit – Employers and employees that have implemented safety and health systems, yet need work to reach Star Level may earn Merit Recognition. Although an honor, it is a reminder that everyone must take additional steps to ensure a safe work environment and to achieve Star level recognition.
- Demonstration – Employers and employees who develop and operate effective non-VPP safety and health management systems may achieve demonstration recognition for allowing OSHA to observe and test the efficacy of their approach. This program enables OSHA to test the efficacy of different approaches.
What Are the Benefits of VPP?
Across the board, the biggest benefit of VPP in the workplace is improved safety. In fact, the average VPP worksite has a staggering 52% fewer Days Away Restricted or Transferred (DART) rate than other employers. Most sites begin at a much higher rate, however, and must work to achieve such remarkable results. Employers and workers benefit from increased productivity, reduced downtime, and improved morale. OSHA also benefits as participants enthusiastically share safety information with others.
Also, as stated by OSHA, “VPP participants are exempt from OSHA programmed inspections while they maintain their VPP status.”
How Does OSHA Fall Protection Affect VPP Recognition?
Falls are among the most common causes of workplace injuries. OSHA makes it very clear that employers must provide fall protection for any worker or employee completing tasks at heights of 4′ or more. If you and your employees meet or exceed OSHA expectations for fall protection, you’ll be in the running for VPP. To ensure that you are in compliance with OSHA fall protection rules, you must first identify the fall hazards in your facility such as:
Unprotected Leading Edges
All walking or working surfaces with an unprotected edge more than 4′ above a lower level need to be protected with OSHA-compliant fall protection equipment. Modular guardrail systems are the most popular form of fall protection for mezzanines, catwalks, and other elevated surfaces. When combined with industrial safety gates, they provide passive fall protection as well as access control for added safety.
Dangerous Machinery and Equipment
Manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and other industrial buildings are full of potentially hazardous machines and equipment. Protecting workers from getting close enough to fall on or into dangerous equipment can easily be accomplished with modular guardrail systems installed around their perimeter. An indoor swing gate will guide workers safely in and out of the area while also limiting access to authorized individuals only.
Loading Docks
Whether receiving supplies and materials or shipping out finished products, there’s a lot going on at your loading docks. Dock workers face a host of fall hazards in this fast-paced environment and fall protection equipment is essential. A guardrail around the loading dock perimeter along with an indoor swing gate that’s self-closing will help maintain a safe environment for loading dock employees.
Industrial Rooftop Fall Protection
While most of the work at your industrial facility is performed indoors, there are occasions when workers must do maintenance and repairs on the roof or rooftop equipment. Depending upon your industry, employees may need to regularly access the roof. Modular guardrail systems can protect the roof perimeter, skylights, roof hatches, ladder entrances, and any other fall hazard present on a temporary or permanent basis.
What Are OSHA’s Requirements for Guardrail Systems and Safety Gates?
In order to qualify for VPP, your organization, and employees must follow OSHA regulations fully. The fall protection equipment you choose to employ must also meet OSHA specifications. When it comes to safety rails and industrial safety gates, OSHA 1910.29 sets forth detailed expectations including:
- Guardrails and safety gates must measure 42″ tall (plus or minus 3′) measured from the walking/working surface.
- Top rails of gates and guardrails must handle a force of 200 lbs. applied within 2″ of the top edge in any direction without failing.
- When pressure is applied to the top rail, it cannot deflect to lower than 39″ from the walking/working surface.
- Midrails must be able to withstand a force of 150 lbs. applied in a downward or outward direction.
- Railings and industrial safety gates must be made of smooth material that cannot snag clothing and equipment or scratch workers.
Get OSHA Compliant and VPP Recognized with Fabenco
Safety is of paramount importance to you and your employees and we’re here to help you achieve OSHA compliance and more. Talk to one of our qualified safety experts today about modular guardrail systems, industrial safety gates, an indoor swing gate, or any of our OSHA-compliant fall protection devices and equipment. We’ll be happy to help you find the ideal solution for your fall hazard concerns. We’ll also advise you on ways to improve our chances of obtaining that coveted VPP Star rating your organization and employees deserve.
