Fall Protection Friday: The Leading Killer

This Week’s Toolbox Talk Attached Below!

Welcome back, let’s Build Smart & Build Safe! As we conclude our Focus Four review, we address the most frequent cause of fatalities in our industry: Falls. Year after year, falls account for roughly one-third of all construction deaths. Under OSHA 1926.501, protection isn't a suggestion—it is a mandatory requirement for any work performed at a height of 6 feet or more.

The Anatomy of an Opening

Many incidents don't happen at the "leading edge" of a building, but rather through internal floor openings that were left unprotected during the chaos of a workday.

• The 2-Inch Rule: Any hole in a walking/working surface that is 2 inches or more in its least dimension must be guarded by a guardrail system or covered.

• Cover Requirements: A cover is not just a piece of scrap plywood. It must be able to support twice the maximum intended load, be secured against accidental displacement, and be clearly marked with the word "HOLE" or "COVER."

• Guardrails: Top rails must be at 42 inches ± 3 inches and capable of withstanding a 200-lb force.

Personal Fall Arrest: The Last Line of Defense

When engineering controls like guardrails aren't feasible, we rely on the Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). A PFAS is only effective if it is used correctly and inspected daily.

1. The Anchor: Must be capable of supporting 5,000 lbs per employee. Never anchor to conduit, small-diameter piping, or unsecured structural members.

2. The Connector: Ensure you are using a lanyard appropriate for your fall clearance. In low-clearance areas, a Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL) is often required to stop a fall before impact.

3. The Body Harness: The D-ring must be positioned in the center of the back between the shoulder blades. Leg straps must be snug; loose straps can cause massive internal trauma during a fall.

Suspension Trauma and Rescue

If a worker is successfully caught by their harness, the clock starts ticking. Suspension Trauma can lead to unconsciousness or death in minutes due to blood pooling in the legs.

• Trauma Straps: These are essential. They allow a suspended worker to stand up and relieve pressure on the femoral arteries while waiting for rescue.

• The Rescue Plan: You must have a site-specific plan to retrieve a fallen worker immediately. Relying on local emergency services is often insufficient for the 15-minute window required to prevent permanent injury.

Implementation: The Friday Fall Audit

Before finishing the week:

1. Cover Check: Ensure all floor openings created today are properly covered and labeled.

2. Gear Retirement: If a harness or lanyard shows signs of fraying or chemical damage, cut it up and throw it away today—do not let it stay on-site for Monday.

3. Clearance Verification: Confirm that your fall distance accounts for the "stretch" in the lanyard and the height of the worker.

Download Your Toolbox Talk Here!

Please help us grow, share us with your friends and coworkers for a daily dose of construction safety tips!

-The Safety Man