Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention Construction–Fall Protection

Fall Hazards Construction work exposes employees to many different types of fall hazards. Falls from elevations are a leading cause of fatal injuries in the construction industry. Rooftops, lifts, scaffolds and ladders are the primary locations from which fatal falls occur in the residential roofing industry.

Claims Costs 107 days Slips, trips and falls are the No. 1 cause of workplace injuries in Missouri’s construction industry, with lost-time claims costs averaging $110,000. On average, the number of days of work a construction employees miss following a slip, trip or fall.

What’s a slip?

What’s a slip? The foot slides forward causing the body to fall backwards.

Contributing Factors Slippery slopes Water Dirt Ice Grease Sand Three main factors: Poor choice of footwear Contaminated floor surface Walking too fast—SLOW DOWN! Footwear with poor slip resistance can contribute to slips. These include heels, slip-on sandals

What’s a trip?

What’s a trip? The foot strikes an obstacle on the ground, mid-stride, stopping one’s movement. The body’s center of gravity is in motion and the body falls forward.

What is a trip? A floor obstruction as low as _____ in height can cause a fall. ¼”

What about falls? Do slips and trips always result in a fall? Not always, but when a slip or trip results in a fall, that can be disastrous.

Anatomy of a Fall Perception distance: It takes most people about 1/3 of a second to become aware. Reaction distance: It takes another 1/3 of a second for the body to react. Fall distance: A body can fall up to 7 feet in 2/3 of a second.

Using a PFAS Personal Fall Arrest Systems include an anchorage, lanyard and fully body harness. Use a PFAS when guardrails are not feasible. Training is required to prevent improper use.

Anchorages must be able to support at least this much weight. Inspect each anchorage daily. To prevent “swing fall,” work directly below the anchor. 5,000 pounds Anchorages must be able to support at least this much weight.

Lanyards Must limit fall to 6 feet or less. Inspect lanyards before each use. Lanyards cannot be joined together. Connect only to a D-Ring. Cannot be doubled over or looped. If damaged or worn, remove from service and destroy. Do not modify or attempt repair.

Harnesses Inspect before each use and train all users. The harness should be snug fitting. Don’t modify or self repair any harness. Remove if damaged or worn out. All snaps, straps and hardware must be worn and fastened. Do not expose harness to oils, solvents, heat, sparks, flame or sunlight.

Avoid Rooftop Hazards Scan ahead. Pay attention to your walking path. Do not carry loads that block your view. Use handrails. Do not walk or run too fast. Slow down! Don’t forget! Report all hazards immediately to management. Clean up trash and other tripping hazards.

Rooftop Hazards Stop roofing operations when you encounter: Falling temperatures High winds Lightening Weakness in the structure Watch out for: Frost or ice Electrical wires Moss Trash and debris Weak spots in the roof

Skylights Skylights are considered holes and must be covered. Covers must support at least twice the weight of employees, equipment and materials that may cross over the cover.

Rooftop Holes Cover any opening 2 inches or larger. Clearly mark HOLE or COVER.

Prevent Falls A guardrail is a great way to prevent falls through holes or off leading edges. Properly install a top rail, mid rail and toe board. Top rails should be 39-45 inches tall. Toe boards should be at least 3-1/2 inches tall.

Warning Line Systems Do everything possible to keep your employees from falling from a rooftop.

The DOs Use a warning line on roofs wider than 50 feet, and with a slope of 4:12 or less. Support warning lines on stanchion posts that can withstand 16 pounds of tipping force. Use warning lines as close as 6 feet from the edge if NO mechanical equipment is being used and 10 feet if mechanical equipment is in use. Use warning lines with at least 500 pounds of tensile strength. Do install warning lines 34-39 inches in height. Do install a warning line around all sides of the work area. Do use ropes, wires or chains as warning lines. Flags should be highly visible and placed every 6 feet. Do guard rooftop access points when not in use.

The DON’Ts Don’t use a warning line as a guard rail. They do not stop employees from falling. Don’t use warning lines closer than 10 feet from the edge if mechanical equipment is being used. Do everything possible to keep employees from falling from a rooftop.

Choosing Footwear

Proper Footwear Footwear must support ankles and arches, be slip-resistant and protect your toes. Do not wear worn or damaged footwear. Wear footwear that provides traction in ice and snow. Put on ice cleats when working in ice or snow. Stay safe with appropriate foot protection. Select appropriate footwear for the weather. Have footwear options available for varying daily activities. Choose shoes with full coverage for toe protection.

Questions?