OSHA Defense
Meeting OSHA Fall Prevention Requirements Part 2
As OSHA defense attorneys, we know the ends and outs of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) safety requirements and we believe information is the key to mitigating risk. In Part 1 of our series, we introduced two systems on the prevention category list. In this last article, we’ll introduce the final two systems and share ways to achieve safety.
Categories of Fall Protection
Fall protection fall into four categories which includes fall arrest systems and positions systems. Below we’ll discuss suspension systems and retrieval systems.
Suspension
A suspension system is another system that allows workers to work hands-free, but should also be used with a primary fall arrest system. This system is predominantly used in window cleaning and painting professions.
Retrieval
A retrieval system is a key to an effective fall rescue program. This system is attached to the worker prior to entering a space or climbing and raises or lowers the worker to safety after a fall.
How to Achieve Safety
An OSHA defense attorney will always advise you to comply with OSHA standards to protect your workers and avoid citations. Complying with OSHA regulations and standards is the best way to avoid fall violations. Here a several key ways to ensure your worksite is in compliance.
- Always heed product instructions and warnings
- Inspect equipment before each use. This includes visual inspection.
- Every employee should be trained by someone that is competent in the use of fall protection equipment.
- Before you select fall equipment, be sure that it adheres to federal, state, and local rules and standards. In addition, select equipment and parts that are compatible. Complete systems are recommended.
- Have a rescue plan in place that will address how to handle a potential fall as well as the proper equipment and supplies that will be readily available in case a fall occurs.
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.