Falls from elevations account for approximately one-third of all deaths in construction. The following tips highlight some of the key issues that employers should consider when planning, implementing, and maintaining their fall prevention programs.

1. Develop a written fall prevention plan.
2. Identify potential fall hazards prior to each project and during daily walk-arounds. Pay attention to hazards associated with routine and non-routine tasks.
3. Eliminate the need for fall protection where possible by rescheduling the task, isolating the task or changing the task.
4. Ensure that fall protection equipment is appropriate for the task, in good condition, and used properly.
5. Conduct general fall prevention training on a regular basis.
6. Train workers on the specific fall hazards identified and on the required personal protective equipment.
7. Conduct regular inspections of fall protection equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and OSHA requirements.
8. Emphasize fall hazards unique to the site, such as open floor holes or shafts, riser penetrations, and skylights.
9. Team up with other construction employers and employees to identify best practices and share fall prevention solutions.
10. Get more information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Visit OSHA’s Website at www.osha.gov or call (800) 321-OSHA.

For Employees
It only takes a second for a fall to occur. Falling only a few feet can result in serious injury or death.
1. Understand your company’s written fall prevention plan.
2. Attend and participate in fall prevention training.
3. Use fall protection equipment if required for the job. Be sure that the equipment is right for the task, fits properly, and is in good condition.
4. Inspect fall protection equipment (for example, harness systems) and devices (for example, guardrails and tie-off points) before each use.
5. Make sure that floor holes, open shafts, and riser penetrations are protected by sturdy guardrails or covers.
6. Get specialized training before working on scaffolds, lifts or ladders.
7. When using scaffolds, make sure there is proper access, full planking, stable footing, and guard railing.
8. Keep your feet firmly on the platform of a boom lift and tie-off at all times.
9. Chose the correct ladder for the task, read the instructions, and be sure that the ladder is in good condition. Check for surrounding hazards, stable footing, and the proper angle.
10. Identify skylights and make sure they are properly protected.
11. Contact your supervisor if you see fall hazards or have any other questions about fall prevention. Do not work until unsafe conditions have been corrected.
12. Get more information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Visit OSHA’s Website at www.osha.gov or call (800) 321-OSHA.

Fall Protection Tips
Other fall protection steps that should be considered include the following:
• Identify all potential tripping and fall hazards before work starts;
• Look for fall hazards, such as unprotected floor openings/edges, shafts, skylights, stairwells and roof openings/edges;
• Inspect fall protection equipment for defects before use;
• Select wear and use fall protection equipment;
• Secure and stabilize all ladders before climbing them;
• Never stand on the top rung/step of a ladder;
• Use handrails when you go up or down stairs; and
• Practice good housekeeping. Keep cords, welding leads and air hoses out of walkways or adjacent work areas.

Ladder Safety
The ‘Consumer Product Safety Commission’ reports that thousands of people are treated for fractured bones, bruises and cuts from improper use of ladders every year. Hundreds of people die from ladder
related injuries.

Some common safety tips that can be followed for smooth working with ladders are:
• Inspect the ladder. Make sure that there are ‘safety feet’ on the ends. When choosing a ladder be certain the ladder is able to carry the amount of weight that will be applied.
• Check for ‘loose or bent rungs’ of your ladder. The ladder should be kept clean of oil, grease, mud, snow and other slippery materials.
• Carry a ‘single or extension’ ladder parallel to the ground. Hold the side rail in the middle of the ladder for balance. The ground under the ladder should be level and firm. Do not set your ladder up on a muddy surface.
• Set the base of your ladder one foot away from the wall for every four feet of ladder height.
• Do not use bricks, boxes, etc. to raise the height of ladders.
• Keep ladder off from windowpanes or sashes.
• Face the ladder when you climb up or down. Hold on to the side rails with both hands. Use a rope to lift heavier equipments.
• Keep your body centered ‘between the rails’ of your ladder. Wear shoes with ‘non-skid soles.’ Do not wear ‘leathersoled’ shoes; they can be slippery.
• Never use a ladder in high wind. Never stand on the top rung of any ladder.
• And the last and not the least never leave a raised ladder unattended.

Scaffolding
Scaffolds may only be erected under the supervision of an individual who has been trained as a “competent person.” All employees that use scaffolding must also be trained in its use. The following general rules apply to scaffold erection and use:
• Scaffolds must be erected on sound, rigid footing, capable of carrying the maximum intended load without settling or displacement. Base plates or mud sills must always be used;
• Scaffolds and their components must be capable of supporting, without failure, at least four times the maximum intended load;
• All planking must be scaffold-grade or equivalent, as recognized by approved grading rules for the species of wood used;
• Scaffold planking must be overlapped a minimum of 12 inches or secured from movement;
• Scaffold planks must extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches or more than 12 inches.;
• An access ladder or equivalent safe access must be provided;
• Guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards must be installed on all open sides and ends of platforms more than 10 feet above the ground or floor;
• Guardrails must be installed approximately 42 inches above the working platform and must be able to resist a force of 200 pounds applied in any direction;
• Toe boards must be a minimum of 3.5 inches high; and
• Supported scaffold above four times its minimum base dimension must be restrained by guy wires, ties, braces or outriggers to prevent accidental displacement.  FSM