Posts by developer
Can Fall Protection Increase Productivity?
The pros and cons of using fall protection in the workplace sparks a surprising amount of debate among people who work at height. At first, it can seem like there are a lot of rules and regulations that need to be followed. And the process of obeying those rules and regulations can feel like it…
Read MoreBeyond Compliance: Creating a Culture of Safety
There are many safety regulations concerning fall prevention, including standards for fall protection systems, safety for workers at height, and more. OSHA 1910, OSHA 1926, and ANSI Z359 cover broad topics of fall prevention, and there are many specific standards within those regulations. These regulations define actions and steps employers must take to protect their…
Read MoreInspecting Your Full Body Harness
Inspecting Your Full Body Harness When a person is using a fall protection system, every component of the system makes an important contribution to the safety of the user. Even though each part of a fall arrest system is important, the device that is most often complained about is the full body harness. Any fall…
Read MoreSelf-Retracting Lifeline OSHA and ANSI
Safety protocols reduce the risk of accidental falls when working at heights. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and American National Standards Institute have established guidelines regarding self-retracting lifelines. These fall protection systems reduce workplace hazards, and adhering to OSHA and ANSI standards mitigates injuries and fatalities while preventing costly lawsuits and fines for…
Read MoreA Brief History of Fall Protection
Before the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) of 1970, fall protection in the workplace was not regulated in the United States, and employers bore little responsibility for fall hazards. Let’s walk through the history of U.S. fall protection standards, starting with early workplace safety. Early Workplace Safety In the early days of industrialization, workplace…
Read MoreAdministrative Controls: What Can You Do?
It is a serious decision to place a worker in a situation where they need to access dangerous heights to do their job. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Fall Hazard Hierarchy involves different levels of protection for workers from the hazards of heights. Under ANSI Z359.2, the ANSI Fall Hazard Hierarchy goes as follows:…
Read MoreAerial Work Platforms vs. Scaffolding in the Facility Management Industry
In the facility management industry, aerial work platforms and scaffolding are commonly used for tasks requiring height work, such as maintenance, repairs, and inspections. Each has its own advantages. Rigid Lifelines® engineers, designs, and tests various permanent fall protection systems for workers at various heights. Scaffolding The facility management industry uses scaffolding in various applications.…
Read MoreAir Resistance in Fall Protection
Air resistance, also known as drag, is the force that opposes an object’s motion through the air. Rigid Lifelines® explains how this relates to fall protection. What Is Air Resistance in Fall Protection? Fall protection and physics are closely linked to the laws of motion. Fall protection is mostly concerned with the process of preventing…
Read MoreWhat Is Rigid Rail Fall Protection?
Rigid rail fall protection systems improve workplace safety by protecting workers at height from fall hazards. These systems feature an overhead track and trolley fall arrest system. They are some of the most innovative and complete fall arrest systems available, suitable for use indoors and outdoors with minimum fall clearance — ideal for environments requiring short…
Read MoreHow Close is Too Close? Leading Edge Work and Fall Protection
How Close Is Too Close? Leading Edge Work and Fall Protection A significant number of fall-related injuries and deaths occur annually due to falls from unprotected roof edges. But how do you assess what type of fall protection best fits the job? Do you assess with your plain eyes or apply relevant regulatory rules? A common rule…
Read MoreDifferent Types of Harness Connection Points
Harness attachment points are critical safety features of full-body harnesses — without them, workers would have no way to attach their safety harnesses to the anchor points or fall protection systems. Connection points differ based on safety requirements, and fall protection equipment is only effective when used correctly. A better understanding of the most popular harness connection points and their location and functions helps promote safer full-body harness use. Common Full-Body Harness Point…
Read MoreImproper Use of Your Safety Harness Can Be a Costly Mistake
The effectiveness of any fall protection system depends on the proper use of each component. Improper use, carelessness or use of a damaged harness can result in death or severe injury, as well as damage to equipment and the work environment. The full-body safety harness is an integral part of a modern fall protection system…
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