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In 2022, fall protection violations topped the list of most frequently cited Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations.

The OSHA states that adequate fall protection must be provided to workers at four feet in general industry, five feet in maritime, and six feet in construction. Proper policies and procedures that identify and address fall risks are important to ensuring the continued safety of employees and preventing injuries and fatalities.

Industrial businesses must schedule annual fall protection inspections, as well as periodic recertifications to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations. Qualified inspectors will provide recommendations for repairing faulty equipment and mitigating fall risks in the workplace. They can also identify when unauthorized system modifications are putting workers at risk.

In-between these formal inspections, following a fall protection checklist will help minimize both risks to the workforce and OSHA violations.

RDS, or window washing anchors, need a yearly inspection and recertification at least once every 10 years by a qualified inspector.

Should an employee fall while using this suspension system or any signs of damage are noted (wear and tear, erosion, missing parts, loose connections, etc.), the equipment should be retired until it has been properly inspected and repaired.

Horizontal lifeline systems require an annual inspection and recertification at least once every five years by a qualified inspector.

Should an employee fall while using this suspension system or any signs of damage are noted (cables have insufficient tension, physical wear and tear, loose brackets, etc.), the equipment should be retired until it has been properly inspected and repaired.

Overhead rigid rails, which include beam and truss-supported trolley systems, require an annual inspection and recertification at least once every five years by a qualified inspector.

Should an employee fall while using an overhead rigid rail or any signs of damage are noted (damaged welds and trolley, signs of impact, etc.), the equipment should be retired until it has been properly inspected and repaired.

Vertical lifelines and vertical rigid rails, or ladder climbing safety systems, must be inspected by the user before every use and also require an annual inspection.

During an inspection, look out for cable wear, bolt, bracket, and hardware damage, and brackets and hardware security.

Harnesses should be inspected by the user before each use and also require an annual inspection.

Mezzanines and loading docks must be structurally sound and fitted with a safety gate and guardrails around all edges. When employees are loading or unloading goods to and from an elevated platform, they must be provided with fall protection equipment and safety signs should indicate the mezzanine/ loading dock’s load capacity.

Stairs should be structurally sound, fitted with safety railings and safety gates, and free from obstacles.

Both steps and stair railing must be tested for structural integrity and the latter, per OSHA guidelines, must be able to support at least 200 pounds of weight. Employees should be able to comfortably grasp handrails to minimize falls.

Stairs should also be regularly inspected for missing or damaged steps.

Industrial businesses must be vigilant of doorway and walkway obstructions at all times. Whether it’s an abandoned ladder in a doorway or a cord stretched across a walkway, it’s all too easy for employees to instigate potential fall hazards.

Safety training sessions are useful for highlighting these kinds of risks and encouraging workers to properly pack equipment away whenever it is not in use.

Safety signage is a crucial part of any industrial business’ fall protection plan. Signs can be used to alert workers when an obstacle might present a fall hazard, provide instructions on how to safely use equipment, or offer information on load capacity.

Safety sign information must be presented clearly and concisely, while the signage itself should be firmly secured and free from sharp edges.

Image Credit: King Ropes Access / Shutterstock.com

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