Falls are one of the most common and dangerous job site injuries, often resulting in serious harm, and, unfortunately, in some cases, death. As an employer, it is your responsibility to set up the jobsite for success and safety to minimize the risk of workers falling. But, how do you do this? What are ways an employer can protect workers from falls?
While falling is almost always accidental, fall prevention is not. Protecting workers from falls requires intentional, proactive planning, diligent training, and employing the right safety measures in the workplace. When employers prioritize safety, they set the foundation for success, reduce the chance of injury, and build trust with their safety staff.
While the hazards that cause falls are many, from steep heights to unstable foundations to wet work sites to improper knowledge of machinery, there are 7 effective safety strategies that every employer can implement to protect workers from falls and significantly reduce overall risk of injury and harm.
7 Things Every Employer Can Do for Fall Prevention
1. Train Employees to Use Equipment Safely
Notice the keyword in the phrase “fall prevention” is not about the potential risk, it’s about the preparation. A safe job site always begins with a well trained team who understands that getting the job done right means getting the job done safely. Comprehensive safety training is one of the most effective ways employers can prevent dangerous falls. Make sure that each member of your safety staff knows how to properly handle ladders, scaffolds, and other equipment to prevent misuse. Continuous training not only increases productivity and confidence on the job, it protects the lives of your staff.
2. Guard Floor Holes
Any unprotected floor opening is an accident waiting to happen. Be sure to guard all floor holes that pose a threat for safety workers to fall into or trip over during work. Use durable covers or guardrails to eliminate this threat and keep your team on solid ground – literally. It’s a simple, intuitive fix that pays dividends in enhanced safety for your team.
3. Provide High-Quality Personal Protective Equipment
PPE isn’t optional, it’s essential. But, you can show your team how invested you are in their wellbeing and safety at work with high-quality gear. The cheap stuff just isn’t worth the risk. Invest in quality harnesses, helmets, and non-slip footwear to protect your safety workers from needless falls. You might skip the upgrade on your smartphone, but skating by with low-quality gear is not a risk worth taking.
4. Keep Job Site Areas Clean and Dry
This seems like common sense, right? But, it’s an easily forgotten strategy to prevent falls at work. Slippery, cluttered, or messy job sites create the perfect conditions to increase the risk of falls and unnecessary accidents. While we can’t control everything, we can set our team up for success with a work space that’s neat, tidy, and ready for action. Sometimes cleaning seems like a chore, but the consequences for inaction will be much higher than when you ignored your mom’s request in high school.
5. Set Up Guardrails on Every Open-Sided Platform
When your staff is working on an elevated platform, the stakes are literally high, and you can’t afford to take any chances. Steep heights pose a major risk for falling and serious injury or even fatality. Guardrails function as a simple, yet effective barrier for employers to implement to protect workers from accidental slips and falls.
6. Provide the Right Tools for the Job
As the employers, you must ensure that your workers have the correct equipment and machinery for the job they’re working on whether they need ladders or scaffolds. The right equipment makes all the difference. You know that your safety staff works hard to get the job done on time, so give them what they need to do it safely and reduce the temptation to pursue unsafe shortcuts like using a chair instead of a ladder.
7. Plan Ahead for Safety
As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Before you begin any project or start work on a new job site, plan ahead and determine the best way to get the job done. Then, put together a comprehensive budget to ensure that you have all you need to complete the job safely and protect your safety team.
Fall Prevention Begins With Proactive Leadership
What is one of the best ways an employer can protect workers from falls and create a culture of safety? It starts with proactive leadership that prioritizes preparation and accountability. It’s more than a written policy about ensuring a safe and secure work area, it’s actionable strategies and planning that show your team you care about their wellbeing and want to effectively protect workers from falls and other hazards on a job site. Not only will you keep your staff safe, but you’ll build a strong foundation of trust with them that promotes positive work culture and yields higher levels of productivity. At ResponsAble, safety isn’t what we do; it’s all we do. Want more tips on how to effectively protect your employees from safety hazards like falls? Check out our other articles and browse our social media for key strategies and insights to cultivate better safety practices and work environments.