How Fall Protection Training Saves Lives

Falls account for the most fatal occupational hazards in construction-related industries. Until recently, most employers assumed that their fall protection equipment was fall-proof, only to realize the hard way that they were sorely mistaken. Fortunately, fall protection training is now mandatory for any employee who is supposed to work at elevated heights above the ground. However, the implementation of protective clothing and personal safety equipment is useless if your workers do not know how to use them.

Ways to Improve Your Fall Protection Training

• Identify the Risk Factors – Many risk factors need to be considered to customize the right fall protection policy for your specific industry, be it construction, telecommunication, or electric power. Fall elimination involves re-strategizing the work environment, policies, and procedures.
• Justify the Safety Policies – Once you identify all the potential occupational hazards to your workers, you need to explain the importance of fall elimination safety measures. Providing them with the current fall statistics will allow that to sink in. When they see practical examples of people who have been injured or lost their lives, they will truly understand why fall protection training is essential.
• Explain Correct Equipment Usage – Personal fall protection equipment and protective clothing needs to be introduced after the training. Employees need to know how to wear them correctly and understand their function, purpose, and importance.

Steps for Effective Fall Protection Training

Reducing fall-related deaths is the primary goal of introducing fall elimination strategies. The training takes three highly effective steps:

1. Plan Strategically – An essential step in eliminating risk factors, strategic planning allows you as an employer to understand the condition your workers will be operating under before you flag off the project. Before they begin, you can measure the maximum heights from which the project will be conducted and find out the relevant materials that will be required to keep them safe from heights both high above and nearer to the ground. Devising an effective plan determines the success of your project. If your company does not have a highly-qualified instructor, it is advisable to hire one with vast experience and training on fall elimination programs. If possible, find one who can demonstrate the safety techniques to enhance a more natural understanding of the topic.
2. Provide Fall Protection Gear – Which conventional protection gear you select depends on the type of project you will be handling. According to OSHA, there are three forms of traditional fall protection. Each type of fall protection gear is beneficial when used and stored properly and all products should contain a detailed manufacturer’s manual that must be followed to the letter. The three types of OSHA-mandated fall protection gear include:
   • Safety nets
   • Guard rails
   • Personal fall arrest systems
3. Train Your Crew – Once you have introduced and explained the three types of protection gear and equipment, you need to train your workers on how to correctly use, store, and care for them. When employees are trained on how to effectively use personal fall arrest systems, company fall prevention measures, and OSHA compliance standards, they become responsible for their lives and the lives of their fellow workers. During the training session, it is vital to encourage a participatory approach where they are allowed to demonstrate to each other what needs to be done in the event of a fall-related emergency.

Coming up with the most appropriate protection plan, providing the right equipment, and training employees on the potential risk factors are all ways of complying with OSHA standards. This not only saves lives, but it also allows your workers to appreciate the company’s interest in maintaining their well-being.

Join the Fall Protection Team at Certified Slings Academy

At Certified Slings and Supply Academy, we emphasize safety on the jobsite. As the most respected and trusted institution in rigging and overhead lifting, we strive to offer a wide range of rigging and fall protection training sessions that comply with the OSHA/ASME/ANSI standards. No matter your field of operation, our team of dedicated fall protection instructors will ensure your workers understand all the potential risks and fall protection measures and get the essential training they need.

Our comprehensive courses include Confined Space Training, Fall Protection Training, and Rigging Training. If you are interested in joining one or two courses, we will be happy to accommodate. We can also assign a personalized instructor to come conduct their training services at your company’s location. To schedule your training, visit our website or call us today at 1-800-486-5542 or visit our website.