In early September, OSHA released its list of the top 10 workplace violations for the 2014 fiscal year. Topping the chart is fall protection violations, numbering more than 6,000, followed by hazard communication, scaffolding and respiratory protection violations. And according to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry.
No matter your industry, all employees can benefit from caution when working at heights. Even falling from seemingly small elevations can cause major injury. Here at Working Solutions LLC, our employees’ safety is our top concern. Follow this simple guidance when working at heights to keep yourself and your co-workers safe:
- Avoid working at heights where it is reasonably practicable to do so.
- Complete as much work as possible from the ground.
- Do not overload or overreach when working at heights.
- Take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces.
- Use safe, secure ladders to reach something at height rather than standing on a chair.
- Inspect ladders before using them. When working at heights cannot easily be avoided, prevent falls by either working from an existing area that is already known to be safe or by using the right type of equipment. If using fall protective equipment:
- Inspect the equipment prior to use.
- Replace any defective equipment immediately.
- If in doubt about the safety of the equipment, do not use it
- Use the 1:4 ratio to ensure your safety when on a ladder. Place the base of the ladder one foot away from whatever it’s leaning against for every four feet of height up to the point of contact for the top of the ladder.
We are dedicated to the protection of our employees from on-the-job injuries. If you would like more information about safety when working at heights, contact your supervisor.