Fall Hazards Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

We may spend a great deal of time discussing fatal falls, and their affect on the industry, but… Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Roofs Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Methods of Roof Fall Protection Fall Arrest Safety Monitors Guardrails and warning lines Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Safety Monitor Oversees work outside the warning lines. Establishes the procedure to protect. Workers must receive special training. Use should be extremely limited Some things should be painfully obvious Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Warning Line Requirements for Roofers Set at 34 – 39 inches Must be maintained at all times. Workers outside warning lines must be tied-off or have safety monitor.

High Roof Warning Line Lines adequately set Lines too close to edge

Outside Warning Lines Parapet up to at least 39" Fall Restraint Fall Arrest Safety Monitors Employees performing roofing work outside warning lines must be protected by fall restraint or positive fall protection systems. OSHA allows the use of safety monitoring systems in certain limited instances. This practice must be closely supervised, and must comply with all components of the fall protection regulations. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Roof Guardrails

Roof Fall Arrest Restraint These photos illustrate flat roofs and sloped roofs in commercial and residential applications. Each type and application has its own specific requirements and suitable equipment to reduce hazards. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Open Sided Floors & Edges Open edges on decks, roof, mezzanines, etc. over 6' high must be protected This individual is not properly protected and is exposed to a fall in excess of 30 feet. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Stay Back from Edges Stay away from edges unless work requires it Always face the edge Work from your knees Fall Hazard Some work practices, such as precast concrete erection, allow employees to work under a fall protection plan without being positively protected. It is imperative that all employees are properly trained and equipped to work in these instances, and that they follow all recommended procedures. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Warning Line For Non-Roofing Work Warning lines for non-roofing work must be at least 15 feet back from holes or edges. These warning lines should only be used temporarily. Workers outside the warning line must be tied off. These warning lines are addressed through OSHA interpretation. They are considered a substandard guardrail and a diminimus violation. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Guardrails

Guardrail Coverage Bad Better Gaps at end of rails, extension beyond posts… Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Holes Covers Guardrails Covers must be properly marked, positively affixed, and capable of supporting twice the intended load Any signage used onsite should be adequately communicated to all employees, including those who may not speak or read English. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Material Handling Platforms & Hoist Areas Material handling platforms must have guardrails When the guardrails are opened to receive material, workers must be tied off Gates are preferred to removable rails Material handling and hoist areas should be preplanned along with other site logistics (storage, access, and housekeeping, for instance) to ensure that employees are fall protected at all times. Proper planning will allow for safe loading areas during each phase of construction and on multiple floors at one time. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Don’t Create a Greater Hazard Simply tying off does not necessarily eliminate the hazard of a fall. Poor planning, improper equipment, and lack of coordination and communication can create hazards as well. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Practical Implications of Total & Free Fall Distance Added Together This worker is tied to the beam with a basket hitch. How far will he fall? What about swing? See interpretations for guidance Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Free Fall Distance or “Vertical Displacement” 6’ Lanyard Length 3.5’ Deceleration Device 5’ From D-Ring to Worker’s Feet 3’ Safety Factor (stretch, bounce, etc.) Total 11’ travel distance of d-ring before fall arrest takes effect. This potential impact force exceeds many lanyard capacities (and OSHA standards). When added to “total fall distance”, anchoring at the feet can become problematic See interpretations for additional guidance. All distances are approximate, and shown for illustration only. This is why it is critical to maintain the safety factor distance! Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Harness Pressure Points Spread load across butt strap and belt strap if on the harness Excess pressure here can cut blood flow to the legs Some studies have indicated permanent damage to the lower extremities when the worker hangs for more than twenty (20) minutes

Slip & Trip Hazards - Housekeeping! Watch trip hazards Here trash creates a trip hazard for everyone in the building Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Stairways Stair pans should not be used for access until poured, and until guardrails and handrails installed Be sure all debris is removed immediately Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Scaffolds & Ladders Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Scaffold Requirements Be on a firm foundation with base plates Be plumb, square and adequately braced Have a fully planked work deck Have guardrails over 10 feet Be tied-in over 4:1 height to base ratio Have an adequate means of access and egress These are only some of the most frequently cited and most common hazards associated with scaffolding. Additional requirements apply, as do manufacturer’s system specific guidelines. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Good Foundations Mason’s Adjustable Frames Hydro-mobile Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Access No access by cross braces Bottom rung can not be more than 24" high You must use a ladder or frames designed to be used as ladders Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Ladder tied into scaffold Proper Access Ladder tied into scaffold Ladder frame must be uniform and less than 16-3/4 inches. You should check with the manufacturer’s requirements. Ladder Platform Ladder Frame Stairway Frame Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Baker-type Scaffolds Baker scaffolds can be unstable Never use a double stack without outriggers A minimum of three wheels must be locked when employees are working on the platform. Where possible, consider the use of scissorlifts when a mobile scaffold is required. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Suspended Scaffolds No tie-back Outriggers must be properly set and have safety tie-backs Equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained. Workers must have independent lifelines Scaffold outriggers that are not secured to the working surface must have appropriate tie-backs in line with the outrigger to a proper anchor separate from the faall arrest anchors. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Falling Object Protection 1926.451(h) Toe boards at edges of platforms Use panels or screens when accessed from below Barricade areas below Use canopies where walkways cross underneath Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Fall Protection in Lifts Scissors Lift Aerial Boom Lift Fall protection required. No fall protection required unless he gets off the floor

Ladder Types Type I-AA ladders are extra heavy duty and can handle up to 375 lbs. Type I-A ladders are heavy-duty and can handle up to 300 lbs. Type I ladders can hold up to 250 lbs. Type II ladders can hold 225 lbs. Type III ladders are for light duty only and can hold up to 200 lbs. Ladders should be chosen with the weight of a worker and his or her tools in mind. Many companies disallow the use of aluminum ladders due to their conductivity and ease of damage. (Edit slide to read as follows: Type I-AA ladders are extra heavy duty and can handle up to 375 lbs. Type I-A ladders are heavy-duty and can handle up to 300 lbs. Type I ladders can hold up to 250 lbs. Type II ladders can hold 225 lbs. Type III ladders are for light duty only and can hold up to 200 lbs. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Read the Warning Labels Labels are there for a reason! Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Proper Ladder Climbing Use both hands to climb a ladder Always face the ladder when climbing, descending or working Avoid the top two steps of a stepladder and the top four rungs on other ladders Always read and follow manufacturer’s usage requirements. Be sure that ladders are secured before climbing, and that extension ladders extend at least 3 feet above the landing surface, or that a suitable grabrail is available. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Don’t Lean a Step Ladder The ladder is not designed to be leaned. The angle of the steps is not level when set at 4:1. The support leg can contact the ground causing the step leg to kick out. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Do Not Stand On The Top Step!!! Obey the Labels!! NO! Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Working Above Protections When employees work above railings, they must be protected from falling over the railings. This could mean that employees should be provided with appropriate PFAs. Many companies have started to require tie off on ladders when they are higher than and within 1.5 times the height of the ladder from the guardrail system. Preplanning for curtain wall installation, ductwork and other work may require anchorage points, especially at door and window openings. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Extra Guardrails

Proper Access Ladders Ladders should be set at 1 horizontal to 4 vertical Ladders must be secured Ladder access ways must be guarded Ladders must extend 3' above the landing surface, or an adequate grabrail must be provided Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Access Ways Offset guardrails are recommended Watch for tripping hazards at tops of ladders and stairs Ladderways and stairwells should planned well in advance to ensure their safe operation from phase to phase. Additionally, proper guardrails and handrail systems should be installed and maintained throughout the project. Offset guardrail systems are an ideal way to protect areas where access must be made through perimeter protection. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Bridges Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Cap or Beam Setting

Leading edges must be protected Falls While Decking Shear connectors and other protrusions from the structure constitute a tripping hazard, and additional precautions should be taken. Leading edges must be protected Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Bridge Fall Protection Bridge edges must be protected When working over water flotation devices must be worn Proper consideration must be given to fall protection for both demolition of existing structures, and construction of new structures. Height of guardrails has to be maintained (or adjusted) to conform with deck heights as they change during work. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Equipment Do not jump from equipment Use three point contact at all times Be sure of your footing Do not strain your shoulders Be sure steps are clear of mud and ice All employees should be encouraged to use grabrails and or handrails as provided by manufacturers. Maintenance and inspection programs should include all walking and working surfaces on equipment. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Proper Seats Everyone must be in a proper seat with a seat belt . No riding on steps or running boards! All employees riding in or on equipment must be properly restrained, using proper seats and seatbelts. This applies to ALL equipment, including (but not limited to) off road vehicles, grading equipment, and onsite transport such as golf carts. Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Incident Free Planning Training Inspection Planning for fall protection in advance Have appropriate equipment available. Training Workers exposed to falls must be properly trained. Workers must be properly trained to erect scaffolds. Workers must be trained in proper ladder use. Inspection Fall arrest equipment must be inspected before each use. Scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person. Ladders must be inspected. Use these steps to provide continuous improvement Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry

Incident Free Oversight Lessons learned Re-evaluate Evaluate proper use of fall protection systems. Assure competent persons are overseeing scaffold erection and use. Lessons learned Investigate all falls. Develop root causes of fall accidents. Communicate needed changes based on the information obtained. Re-evaluate Fall plans after each project Use these steps to provide continuous improvement Susan Harwood Training Grant Program (2006) Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry