Fall Protection vs Fall Prevention: Ensuring Workplace Safety

FALL PROTECTION VERSUS FALL PREVENTION: One might think that fall prevention and fall protection mean the same thing. In fact, the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably even in OSHA guidelines. Nonetheless, knowing the distinctions between these two concepts is important for overall safety of a workplace.

What is Fall Protection?

Fall protection refers to equipment and installations designed to reduce injuries resulting from falls. The equipment in effect creates a system whereupon the employee is secured or anchored to an immovable object thus reducing the effect of a fall.

Examples of Fall Protection

Harnesses: Full-body harnesses distribute forces across body during fall thereby minimizing risk of injury.

Lanyards: These flexible cords or straps are equipped with safe connectors that work as deceleration devices when there is a fall. Different types exist; such as shock absorbing lanyards for gentle deceleration.

Self-Retracting Lanyards (SRLs): Slack tends to be removed by SRLs and automatically lock themselves when there is sudden movement just like seatbelts.

Anchor Points: Ensure that lanyards and other forms of restraints are safely attached. They may be temporary or permanent, but should always be fixed to solid structures.

What is Fall Prevention?

Fall prevention entails various measures aimed at greatly reducing any possibility of falling from heights. For instance, passive systems involve protecting employees from unprotected edges or dangerous conditions.

Examples of Fall Prevention

Guardrails: These consist of top rail, intermediate rail and toe board placed on open sides and ends of platforms so as to prevent people from falling overboard.

Stairways: Stairways should include stair rails where elevation changes more than 19 inches in height.

Platforms: Worker safety at heights mandates platform location along with guardrails according to OSHA standards.

Netting: Safety nets are installed near the work surface to catch falling workers and provide additional protection.

How Do I Know If I Need Fall Protection or Prevention?

In general industry, OSHA requires fall protection at 4ft heights, maritime at 5ft heights and construction at 6ft. Specific requirements differ but with one goal of reducing fall risks.

Analyze the Area

The first step in selecting appropriate fall protection and prevention measures is to analyze hazards in your workplace. Knowing where falls might occur will allow you to put in place appropriate countermeasures that are sometimes as simple as effective. The cost of being proactive is always lower than any consequences of an accident related to a fall.