As a new year begins, it’s time to take stock of your profits and losses so you can plan for the future. You’ll be thinking about ways you can expand your business and improve your revenue stream while hopefully decreasing your expenses. But it’s also the ideal time to inspect your building so you can address any current or potential fall safety concerns within the facility. If you haven’t done so already, you need to prioritize the safety of anyone working or walking on an elevated surface, whether inside or outside your facility, in order to become compliant with OSHA safety regulations. But is it really all that important? Yes, it is. By making OSHA Fall protection compliance your number one new year’s resolution in 2022, you’ll ensure your employees’ safety, and you’ll also avoid costly fines and penalties.
OSHA Requirements for Fall Protection
Every employer, according to OSHA 1910.28, has a duty to have fall protection and falling object protection in place for workers. Anytime employees are expected to work or walk on an elevated surface that’s 4 feet or more above the previous level, you need fall protection equipment in place to protect them. Areas in your industrial facility that you should be focused on include:
- Mezzanines
- Catwalks
- Around Machinery/Equipment
- Uneven Levels
- Holes in Floors and Walls
- Ladders and Stairways
- Rooftops
- Roof Access Points
- Wet or Slippery Areas
What Fall Protection Equipment Does OSHA Require?
OSHA fall protection regulations are meant to protect workers from falls in the workplace, but they are not as rigid as you may think. For example, OSHA does not require specific products such as an indoor swing gate, nor does it specify whether you should use passive fall protection like guardrails, or if active fall protection like a lifeline is necessary. You need to make choices based on your facility and your specific fall protection needs. Consult with a qualified safety expert to determine what fall protection equipment is right for your application.
How to Get OSHA-Compliant for 2022
You want to kick off the new year on the right foot, and that means evaluating your current equipment to make sure it meets or exceeds OSHA fall protection standards. The first step in that process is to perform a walk-through inspection of the facility, focusing particularly on fall hazards. In addition to visual inspections, speaking to workers regarding their safety concerns is also a wise idea. Armed with information about fall hazards you need to address, you can take action, including installing equipment such as:
Guardrail Systems
Unprotected sides of elevated surfaces, rooftops, and uneven levels present a fall hazard that can be mitigated with an OSHA-compliant guardrail system. If you choose this route, make sure your guardrails meet the following guidelines:
- Top rails must be 42″ (+ or – 3″) above the walking/working surface.
- Top rails have to be able to withstand 200 pounds of downward force without failure.
- Mid-rails must be able to handle 150 pounds of downward or outward force without failing.
- Railings need to be made of a smooth material that won’t snag clothes, skin, or equipment.
- Guardrails need to be properly installed and secured.
Industrial Safety Gates
Although a guardrail system may be adequate for fall protection around the perimeter of a rooftop, walkway or mezzanine, you can’t close the entire area off. Access points must be provided so employees can move freely from one area to another. A safety gate is an excellent way to allow safe access, but it must meet the following criteria:
- An indoor swing gate must be the same height as the guardrail it accompanies.
- Top rails of the gate have to be strong enough to handle 200 pounds of force without failing.
- Mid-rails have to be able to handle 150 pounds of force without failure.
- A gate needs to be made of a smooth material with no snags or points that will harm workers.
- An indoor swing gate must open away from the fall hazard it is protecting.
Personal Fall Protection
In some cases, a guardrail system and safety gate aren’t enough to protect workers from potential fall hazards. In other instances, it’s simply not feasible to install a safety railing due to space constraints or other issues. If this is the case in your facility, you’ll need to use active fall protection such as:
- Safety Harnesses
- Lanyards
- Vertical Lifelines
- Self-Retracting Lifelines
Employee Safety Training
No matter how good your fall protection devices are, if your workforce isn’t following your safety rules, it’s a dangerous situation. Not only are workers at risk of falls when OSHA rules aren’t followed, they’re also putting you at risk of financial penalties and loss of revenue. Your safety training should include:
- New-hire Employee Safety Training
- Regular Safety Performance Evaluations
- Refresher Safety Training for Personnel at All Levels
In addition to requiring employees to attend safety training courses, it’s also important to promote safety from the top. Practice what you preach; strictly follow OSHA guidelines and encourage your employees to follow suit. When safety becomes your workplace culture, you’ll find that staying OSHA compliant is a much easier task.
Commit to Fall Safety in 2022 with a Dedicated Fall Protection Expert
There’s nothing more important than the safety and well-being of your employees. After all, they are your company’s single biggest asset, and you simply cannot carry on without them. But you can’t just send them well wishes and hope that everything turns out ok. You need to take action in order to keep your workers safe. Fall protection is among the most important safety issues you need to face now and into the future.
Non-compliance with OSHA fall protection rules isn’t an option. The consequences are just too great for you and your employees. It’s in your best interest to make sure that your fall safety equipment meets OSHA standards. Not sure if you’re OSHA-compliant or need additional information about fall safety? Connect with Fabenco today to discover our line of 100% OSHA-compliant safety equipment. Our safety gate specialists and OSHA compliance experts can help you outfit your facility with passive and active fall protection devices you can rely on.
