Source of Images: OSHA
*Press Play Below to Begin Audio*
Fall Protection
Falls are among the most common causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. Employers must take measures in their workplaces to prevent employees from falling off overhead platforms, elevated work stations or into holes in the floor and walls.
- 4 ft. in General Industry workplaces
- 6 ft. Construction industry (7.5 ft. for Cal/OSHA)
- 5 ft. in Shipyards
- 8 ft. in Longshoring Operations
Ladders, scaffolds, and scissor lifts have their own fall prevention requirements.
Given current OSHA and industry information regarding general industry worksite illnesses, injuries, and/or fatalities, the student will be able to recognize how to protect themselves from fall hazards.
Enabling Objectives:
- Identify types of fall hazards associated with workplace environments.
- Identify methods to eliminate or protect against fall hazards.
Common Fall Hazards
- Overhead Platforms
- Overhead Runways
- Elevated Work Stations
Source of Images: OSHA
Photo 1. This is a photo of two platforms on either side of a bucket conveyor. Access to the platforms is provided by the one ladder between them that stops at the level of the platform. Employees have to climb to either platform from the ladder. Once there they can step across the opening to the other platform when they have to access the conveyor for routine greasing or climb back down on the ladder and then climb back up to the other platform.
Photo 2. Employees exposed to a 25 foot fall from conveyor platform with defective guardrail.
Photo 3. Employees were exposed to falling 14 feet from the roof top of manufactured homes. Employees were working on the roof of manufactured home installing roof decking, roof sheathing and electrical wiring without controls to prevent falls.
Common Fall Hazards Continued
- Floor Openings/Pits
- Wall Openings
- Shelving Units
Source of Images: OSHA
Photo 1. This photo is of a service pit used for oil changes and other vehicle maintenance. The pit is 50 inches deep.
Photo 2. Sheet metal not attached to vertical steel beams. Sheet metal pushed away from floor allowing employee to fall.
Photo 3. Shelving unit used for storage. Workers would climb then stand on top.
Common Fall Hazards Continued
- Stationary Storage Tanks
- Tanker Trucks
- Industrial Production Units
Source of Images: OSHA
Photo 1. Man climbing off/onto tanker ladder and walking the top of the tanker.
Photo 2. Employee working above 4-feet on machine platform without fall protection.