Posts by developer
Understanding Suspension Trauma
Let’s look at suspension trauma, also known as harness trauma. Very simply stated, suspension trauma is injury or death caused by blood flow restriction while hanging suspended in a harness waiting for rescue assistance. This is why self rescue is so important. As required by OSHA law: 1910… So let’s take a look at what…
Read MoreWhat is Galvanization?
Here at Rigid Lifelines™ we frequently recommend that customers have their fall protection system galvanized as a way to fight corrosive environments and extend the overall life of the system. In general industry the term “galvanized” is typically used in reference to metals, in particular steel. The terms “galvanic” and “galvanization” once referred to the…
Read MoreWhat Are Swing Falls and How Do They Occur
Swing falls in the industrial work place can result in significant injuries to workers and damage to equipment. Many jobs require workers to perform tasks at height. Whether cleaning or servicing aircraft, installing or adjusting theater lighting, or working in an industrial or construction environment, OSHA regulations require fall protection for working heights of four…
Read MorePassive vs. Active Fall Protection
Falls are serious hazards, especially in environments where workers perform their duties at elevated heights. In 2023, falls accounted for 21% of all preventable injury-related deaths and 31% of all nonfatal injuries. For industries like construction, where workers are often required to work from a certain height, fall protection systems are vital pieces of safety…
Read MoreABCD’s of Fall Protection
Personal fall arrest systems, or PFAS, include anchorage, body support or body wear, and a connecting device like a self-retracting lifeline or shock-absorbing lanyard. These vital components make up the core of the ABCD’s of fall protection. Workers at height heavily rely on these essential components and their proper use to provide for their safety…
Read MoreSystem Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right Fall Protection System
If you’re looking to install a comprehensive fall protection system for workers, follow this simple system selection guide to help identify the best system for your application. After you have supplied a brief answer to the questions listed below, you can move through the rest of the selection guide to provide exact specifications for your…
Read MoreCommon Fall Protection Dangers Equipment Misuses
It’s always important to provide fall protection for people working at heights. OSHA requires fall protection any time someone is working four feet above the ground or higher for general industry or six feet or higher for construction. But it’s not enough just to have fall protection equipment: that equipment must be used correctly, and…
Read MoreWhat is a Carabiner and What Role Does it Play in Fall Protection?
Fall protection systems are made up of a variety of precision components. Some, like the full-body harness or the self-retracting lanyard, have clear roles in restraining or arresting falls. Others, like the carabiner, although less focused on, are still critical to ensuring that a fall protection system functions as it should. What is a…
Read MoreHow Can Fall Protection Cause Injury?
Falls are among the most common causes of workplace injuries and deaths. Fall protection systems are installed to avoid those potential outcomes. However, improper use, honest mistakes, and accidents can make fall protection systems risk factors in the workplace. The best way to avoid fall protection injuries is to ensure everyone in the workplace understands how these systems work, their dangers, and how to reduce those risks. Common Fall Protection…
Read MoreCan an Overhead Crane Hook Be Used as an Anchor Point?
One question we hear occasionally is whether workers can tie off to a crane hook for personal fall protection when no other anchorage is available. The answer is somewhat more complicated than a simple yes or no. In some instances, OSHA permits workers to use a crane hook as an anchor point, but there are stringent requirements, and it should…
Read MoreHow to Inspect Your Rope Grab Assembly
Rope grabs provide personal fall arrest or restraint in rugged work environments, such as construction, oil production, and window washing. When combined with a lanyard and body harness, rope grabs should move freely up and down vertical lifelines. Checking that rope grabs function properly is essential for keeping workers who use them safer from being…
Read MoreHow Serious Can Fall Injuries Be?
Common sense tells us that even a simple slip and fall can lead to injury. But how serious can these injuries be, and how does a fall to a lower level increase the risk of serious injury, or even death? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,486 fatal work injuries in…
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