How can you prevent falls from heights on a construction site?

All projects should observe OSHA, as well as state and local protocols. In addition, project specifications will stipulate a safety plan and or safety officer be implemented. Hazards are individually and daily addressed with JHAs (job hazard analysis) work-ups that are posted about the respective areas. It's critical to know that conditions change, and protections deteriorate, which is why daily safety talks and site inspections are mandatory if you desire a robust safety program.

Australian Standard 1657.2018 is the relevant standard covering Fixed platforms, Walkways, stairways Guardrail and Ladders (there are some equivalent standards in other jurisdictions). Each of these safety elements are designed to significantly reduce the risk so far, a reasonably practical of a fall. Employing a Contractor will not shield Building owner or manager from responsibility. The factors to consider include. ? What are you trying to achieve? o Do you need to go to this unsafe area at all? o Who will be going there? o What will they be expected to do.? o What is the level of competence required? o Is the area open to the general Public? o How can the risk be controlled?

My job as a Quality Assurance Engineer is to identify potential fall risks on construction sites to?prevent accidents. By means of detailed site inspections and risk assessments, I examine potential risks like loose scaffolding, insufficient guardrails, or exposed edges. It is essential to put in place thorough safety procedures, such as frequent equipment inspections, staff training, and conspicuous signage. Working closely together with site managers and employees guarantees a proactive strategy for reducing fall hazards and upholding a secure workplace.

A risk assessment is made to determine the hazard, then controls put in place to mitigate and reduce the risk and consequence of that hazard occurring. A fall hazards, aren't just falls from above onto the floor, they can be falls from floor, into a trench, falls over a transition etc.

Start up the job by having a rest assessment and supervision and employees all attend set up fall restraints, and scaffolding to meet Job requirements

Working at height has a hierarchy, Avoid, Protect, Minimise. Remove - Does the work need to be carried out at height, can it be brought down to ground level, work done, then re installed at height? Protect -Ensure all those working at height are properly trained and supervised - Select work equipment that prevents falls, such as guardrails or platforms, or if work is to be carried out at height, the appropriate method is used eg. Rope Access/Scaffold/MEWP. - Ensure equipment is suitable, regularly checked and maintained to comply with LOLER and PUWER.

In my experience I have seen buildings littered with Anchor points (AS / NZS 1891.4.2009) as a cheap solution rather than guardrail & walkways. The reality is this is a management heavy very expensive non solution the Safe Work Methods Statements (SWMS) will need to be far more complex. Skilled contractors are required, and more is more time consuming and higher risk. Over time a far more expensive solution. Don’t do it to yourself! Using AS1657 and your compliance benchmark the amount of PPE will be limited to what is required on the ground Helmets Gloves Boots Eye Protection. Monitor the compliance with Safe Work Methods statement SWMS

When covering working at height PFPE is mandatory for all tasks (Personal Fall Protection Equipment) which either eliminates the hazard of a fall or minimises the risks of a fall if one occurred. The three main types are; Work Restraint. Work Positioning. Fall Arrest. Simplified these are; Work restraint is the preferred, due to if carried out correctly a fall can not happen. You are restrained. Work Positioning is next, that has a working line and a redundant back up line with a fall arrest device, if there was a failure of the working line, the fall arrest device would minimise the impact and distance fell. Fall Arrest is a device that once a fall has happened it reduces the distance and impact on the person who fell.

Falls from heights including slips and trips are typically the riskiest onsite OH&S issues management face. The 2018 standard removed the “2 Meter Rule”. All potential falls, slips and trips need to be risk assessed no matter what the height. Height safety area carries the highest rate of on-site death and one of the longest recuperation times for those workers “lucky” enough to be injured rather that killed! Australian Standard 1657.2018 is the relevant standard covering Fixed platforms, Walkways, stairways Guardrail and Ladders (there are some equivalent standards in other jurisdictions).

The use of SWMS is mandatory insists on the proper planning development and use of the SWMS. This is the basis of the building of a safety culture

The advantage of complying with AS1657.2018 it is a relatively lower risk, less management intensive simple system that allows the greatest flexibility. The additional cost will soon be forgotten. Complying with this standard is generally seen by the ‘t regulators and courts and fulfilling your obligations. In summary don’t make a rod for your own back get the job done properly in the first place. In summary fall hazards carry the greatest on-site risk the Workers Compensation data makes for confronting reading on this subject. Have your site risk assessed by a professional have them use you own organisation Risk Matrix and have the work done.

Fall prevention should be an ongoing effort, and it is essential to comply with local safety regulations and standards . Here are some additional measures: -Implement and enforce the use of fall protection systems such as guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) . - Regularly inspect all equipment, scaffolding, and elevated work areas to identify any potential hazards or defects that could lead to falls. - Maintain a clean and organized work environment. - Use warning signs and barricades. - Ensure that workers have safe and secure access to elevated work areas. - Foster a work environment where safety is prioritized and encourage all workers to participate in identifying and reporting potential hazards.