Falls from heights are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, especially in high-risk industries like construction, roofing, and manufacturing. In these environments, where employees regularly work at heights, fall protection systems are essential in safeguarding workers' well-being.
In Canada, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its related regulations require employers to provide fall protection for workers exposed to a risk of falling 3 metres (approximately 10 feet) or more in construction and other industries.
Employers must comply with federal, provincial, and territorial safety legislation to prevent serious or life-threatening injuries resulting from falls.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of fall protection systems. It includes guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, safety nets, and more etc. along with their specific applications.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to effectively implement these systems to protect your workers and comply with safety regulations.
What Are Fall Protection Systems?
Fall protection systems are safety measures designed to prevent workers from falling from elevated surfaces, such as rooftops, scaffolds, and ladders. These systems are essential for safeguarding employees in high-risk environments like construction, manufacturing, and roofing.
These systems work by either preventing a fall with guardrails or barriers or arresting a fall with personal fall arrest systems, safety nets, or other equipment. Fall protection is crucial for preventing injuries or fatalities that can result from falls at elevated heights.
4 Different Types of Fall Protection Systems
Fall protection systems are designed to prevent or mitigate injuries resulting from falls in the workplace. Some fall protection tips to keep in mind include selecting the appropriate fall protection equipment, properly fitting and using personal fall arrest systems, ensuring that guardrails and safety nets are installed and maintained correctly, and providing training for employees on fall hazards and prevention.
Several types of fall protection or arrest systems include guardrails, fall prevention systems, fall arrest systems, and fall restraint systems. In this article, we will discuss each of these systems in detail.
- Guardrails
- Fall Prevention
- Fall Arrest
- Fall Restraint
Guardrails
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Guardrails are physical barriers that prevent workers from accidentally falling off elevated platforms, roofs, or edges. They consist of a top rail, mid-rail, and board and can be made of various materials such as wood, metal, or plastic.
Guardrails are often used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries where workers must work at heights. They provide a passive form of protection, meaning that they do not require any action from the worker to be effective.
Guardrails are relatively easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for fall protection. They also have the added benefit of providing a visual reminder to workers to be cautious and aware of their surroundings.
However, it's important to note that guardrails do not provide complete protection and may not be suitable for all situations.
Fall Prevention
Fall prevention systems are designed to eliminate the risk of falls altogether by providing a safe working environment. These systems typically involve engineering controls such as platforms, scaffolds, or lifts that allow workers to work at heights without the risk of falling.
Fall prevention systems are beneficial for tasks that require workers to work at heights for extended periods, such as painting or window cleaning. Fall prevention systems are often more expensive and require more planning and preparation than other fall protection systems. However, they can effectively reduce the risk of falls and ensure worker safety.
Fall Arrest
Fall arrest systems are designed to prevent workers from hitting the ground or other lower surfaces in the event of a fall. They typically consist of a shock-absorbing lanyard, a full-body harness, and an anchor point.
Workers wear the harness and it is attached to the anchor point, securely fastened to a structure or other stable point.
If the worker falls, the shock-absorbing lanyard will deploy and stop the worker's fall before it hits the ground. Fall arrest systems are often used in construction, roofing, and other industries where workers must work at heights.
Fall Restraint
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Fall restraint systems are similar to fall arrest systems, but instead of stopping a fall, they prevent falls from occurring in the first place.
Fall restraint systems typically involve a full-body harness, a lanyard, and an anchor point. The worker's harness is connected to the anchor point, preventing them from getting too close to an unprotected edge.
Fall restraint systems are often used when workers are required to work near unprotected edges or where the risk of a fall is high. They provide an active form of protection, meaning that the worker must actively ensure their safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is fall protection important?
Fall protection is important because falls are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities.
How do I choose the right fall protection system?
Choose the right fall protection system by assessing hazards, selecting the appropriate equipment, and ensuring proper fall protection training.
How Do Guardrails Protect Workers?
Guardrails prevent falls by acting as physical barriers around elevated areas like roofs and platforms, keeping workers safe from accidental slips.
What Are the Benefits of Safety Nets?
Safety nets catch workers if they fall, reducing injury severity. They’re ideal for areas where other fall protection methods aren’t feasible.
When Should I Use a Positioning Device?
Positioning devices keep workers safely in place while working at heights, allowing them to work hands-free but must be used with other protection systems.
Final Words
Fall protection is a critical aspect of workplace safety that should never be taken lightly. Falls from heights can result in serious injury or death, so employers must implement proper fall protection measures.
By understanding the various types of fall protection systems and equipment available, employers can choose the appropriate system for their workplace and ensure the safety and well-being of their employees.
It's important to note that choosing the right fall protection system requires a comprehensive hazard assessment, selecting the appropriate equipment, and ensuring proper online safety training and maintenance.
By prioritising fall protection and implementing the appropriate systems and equipment, employers can create a safe and productive workplace for all.