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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

7. 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.

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

9. 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

10. Roof Guardrails

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Guardrails

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

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

26. 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

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

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

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

33. 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

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

35. 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

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

37. 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

38. 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

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

40. 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

41. Extra Guardrails

42. 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

43. 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

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

45. Cap or Beam Setting

46. 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

47. 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

48. 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

49. 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

50. 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

51. 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