Jason Wible of FrenchCreek: OSHA's Stand on Fall Safety

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 Jason Wible of FrenchCreek talks about OSHA and the office's stand on fall safety.

Jason Wible and FrenchCreek on OSHA and Fall Safety

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, OSHA is a dedicated branch of the government that tirelessly works to promote workplace safety and protect employees from hazardous conditions. Through their informative website, they provide employers and workers with essential resources on topics such as fall protection - ensuring that everyone remains aware of best practices in health and safety.

Today, as a public service, Jason Wible of FrenchCreek helps disseminate this information from OSHA.

According to OSHA, falls are the most common cause of extremely serious work-related injuries. A lot of times, falls can even lead to fatalities. As a result, employers must set up the workplace or work site to keep employees from falling from elevated workstations, overhead platforms, or even holes in the floors or walls.

Jason Wible of FrenchCreek points out that employers have to provide fall protection with certain specifications depending on the site to reduce falls. OSHA says that fall protection has to be at elevations of four feet in industry workplaces and five feet in shipyards. For the construction industry, it has to be six feet. For long shoring operations, it has to be eight feet.

In addition, avoiding preventable injuries is as easy as donning a harness. Remember, no matter the height of your task, OSHA has set standards for fall protection when working over dangerous machinery. Make safety a priority by ensuring you have all the necessary equipment and knowledge to stay alert on any job site.

According to OSHA, to prevent employees from being involved in falls, employers have to guard every floor hole, into which an employee can accidentally walk by using a railing and toe-board or even a floor hole cover). Employers must also install a guard rail and toe-board surrounding every elevated open-sided platform, floor, and runway.

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Regarding height, Jason Wible of FrenchCreek notes that if an employee can fall into or onto dangerous machines or objects, such as a conveyor belt or vat of acid, employers must have guardrails and toe-boards to keep anyone in the area from falling and getting injured.

While there are many ways to protect yourself from falls on the job, such as utilizing safety nets and handrails, don't forget that other types of protection might also be necessary. These could include wearing a safety harness or using guard rails around staircases. Be sure you use all appropriate means for fall prevention when working in potentially dangerous areas.

Furthermore, OSHA requires employers to provide safe working conditions free of any known dangers. Employers must also keep floors in work areas clean and dry at all times. They also have to choose and give required personal protective equipment to their workers -- at no cost to the latter. Finally, companies have to train employees about job hazards constantly.

Jason Wible and the FrenchCreek team have worked tirelessly to develop a wide range of fall protection products and equipment. Visit this website for additional information.