The Top 3 Most Popular Fall Protection Topics

For the 12th year in a row, Fall Protection (General Requirements) earned the top spot in the most frequently cited OSHA standard for the previous fiscal year, with more than double the citations of the second most-cited standard. While best practices for working at height have continued to evolve, the consistency with which Fall Protection violation citations are issued has not.

Rules governing fall protection can be complex. That complexity, combined that with the real-world practicality of providing effective fall protection in every scenario creates challenges that can be difficult to address.?

Over the years, goSafe has published a collection of blog articles that deal directly with some of the most common issues faced by workers who need effective fall protection to stay safe on the job. Below are summaries of the top three most engaging topics we’ve ever addressed, in order of popularity.

1. Fall Protection in Aerial Lifts: How to Comply with the OSHA Standards

Do you know the?OSHA requirements for wearing fall protection?when working in a lift? There are often misconceptions and misinterpretations of the OSHA standards surrounding this topic. Included in this article are the following:

• Definition of Boom Lift vs Scissor Lift
• Specific OSHA regulations that apply to each type of lift
• Explanation of the preferred type of fall protection equipment to use
• Discrepancies in fall protection standards
• Additional ways to protect your employees

In addition, the Q&A in the comments section addresses a number of issues that the article did not originally cover.

To read this article, please CLICK HERE

2. Big Guys Need Fall Protection Too! How Much Weight Can Your Harness Support?

Did you know that there are weight limits when it comes to fall protection equipment? In general, OSHA and ANSI allow for a maximum capacity of 310 lbs for fall arrest systems. That weight limit includes the weight of the employee, their clothing, tools, and equipment. In this article we discuss the following:

• Standard OSHA requirements related to Fall Arrest Systems
• OSHA’s exception to the 310 lb rule
• Examples of equipment that is rated to 440 lbs
• Additional considerations for workers over the standard weight limit

To read this article, please CLICK HERE

3. Ladder Cages & Ladder Safety Systems: How to be OSHA Compliant

Changes made several years ago to OSHA’s Walking/Working Surfaces regulations continue to generate questions such as?“Are ladder cages still OSHA compliant?”?and?“When will a Personal Fall Arrest System (such as a davit mounted SRL) or Ladder Safety System (engineered cable/rail system) be required on a fixed ladder?”?In this article, we explain:

• The current standards
• How these standards affect existing ladders
• What steps you will have to take in order to remain compliant in the future

The article also includes a 'Possible Scenarios & Compliance' Q&A, along with a detailed explanation regarding why ladder cages should not remain in use.

To read this article, please CLICK HERE.

Do you have questions about Fall Protection? Check out our Fall Protection FAQ!

In our Fall Protection Field Guide, we break Fall Protection equipment and the rules governing it's use into an easy to read format that addresses most scenarios and equipment.

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