Reducing Falls From Heights - Getting Greater Buy-In For Tying Off

It's a staggering statistic: In a survey conducted by the US-based National Safety Council, 89 percent of respondents had seen someone at their company violate proper PPE requirements. Though conducted a few years ago, the survey still puts some hard numbers to a grim reality. Even though it’s no secret that work-related deaths and injuries are completely preventable, many are not taking the necessary precautions to
stay safe.

Despite regulatory requirements, company policies, and jobsite programs, falls are still the number one killer in BC construction when it comes to traumatic incidents. While we cannot measure the human toll of any workplace tragedy, we do know that each fall in our sector costs an average of $38,000 and 72 days of lost production time.

Statistically, falls are not only the most expensive accident-type in our industry, but also the most common – outranking other mechanisms of injury such as overexertion and being struck by something.

In BC, jobsites are required to use fall protection if a possibility exists of falling 10 feet (3 meters) or more. Preventing these falls from elevation is crucial as they do the most damage when it comes to injuries, claim costs, and recovery time.

Because it only takes a second to be seriously injured or killed, sloppy safety practices are short-sighted and dangerous. Without the proper fall protection system, even for short distances, a worker may still suffer serious injuries if they land awkwardly or on something like concrete or rebar.

Safety should never be a reaction to incidents or penalties because proper prevention practices avoid them in the first place. Careless safety practices cost money: In one recent instance of non-compliance, WorkSafeBC fined a roofing company over $145,000 because the jobsite had no fall protection in place. Another company was fined for unsafe practices when their workers were wearing fall protection harnesses but were not tied off.

There’s a myth out there that safety systems negatively affect productivity or the bottom line. The truth is that companies need to invest in the appropriate safety system to maximize profits and productivity.

A lifeline and a harness may be the cheapest fall protection system available, but it may not be the most effective solution for your jobsite in terms of safety or production. It’s all about finding what’s right for the job and the options have greatly improved over the years. Decades ago, safety belts were used to catch falling workers but often severe injuries were still sustained in the process. Today, full body harnesses better protect workers during a fall by distributing – rather than concentrating – the force of impact.

There are many other high-tech fall protection solutions now available so workers don't have to compromise productivity for safety. From puck-sized retractable lanyards to vehicles that provide mobile anchor points, today's gear provides better mobility as well as improved safety.

Even with the best fall protection system in place, we all have regulatory and ethical responsibilities to ensure workers get home safe at the end of the day.

Employers need to:

• Develop and implement an appropriate fall protection plan.
• Invest in the proper fall protection system.
• Ensure all equipment is available when required.

Supervisors need to:

• Ensure workers have been properly trained in the fall protection plan and that they properly use their fall protection equipment.
• Document any instances of non-compliance.
• Follow-up accordingly to ensure the safety program is being properly enforced.

Finally, workers need to:

• Follow the fall protection plan.
• Inspect and use their equipment properly.

Like any other workplace safety issue, preventing falls requires teamwork and cooperation from all corners of the company. Investing in workplace safety means not only that every worker comes home uninjured at the end of their shift, but also delivers better business practices that save you time and money in the
long run.

The British Columbia Construction Safety Association (BCCSA) is here to help construction employers improve workplace safety. Get expert advice from our safety team by calling us toll-free at 877.860.3675.