Fall Safety

Fall Safety Concerns In Australia & Around The World

We have all heard the old phrase “Penny-Wise, Pound-Foolish”. Never has that idiom been more accurate than when it comes to Fall Safety concerns in the construction trades both here in Australia and around the world. Businesses need to be cognizant of the bottom line profitability and rightfully strive to save money and reduce expenses whenever and where ever possible.

There is however sometimes a tendency in the trades, often driven by budget and time constraints to become focused on items and processes that inadvertently introduces more risk into the projects. Performance is often judged by reducing overhead, streamlining processes and increasing profitability.

hile it may be comforting to reduce expenses and potentially receive a well-deserved bonus incentive at the end of the project it should not come at increased risk or a blind-eye to Fall Safety. The indisputable fact is that any amount of money invested in Fall Safety Equipment has a long-term payoff in terms of reduced injuries and job site liabilities.

Falls have historically been a leading cause of death to construction employees and account for an estimated eight percent of fatalities. Regardless of height it is important that fall protection measures are implemented on job sites and that those hazards associated to falls and working around dangerous equipment be mitigated.

The proper provisioning and use of Fall Safety Equipment is paramount in preventing injury. General guidelines are that protection from falls should be provided when working at minimum heights of 4 to 6 feet depending on the industry. In addition to the use of safety equipment recognizing potential hazards and eliminating them entirely or reducing their potential for causing risk can go a long ways in making job sites safe. Risk can be prevented or reduced by using equipment such as safety rails, life lines, ropes and harnesses, arrest systems, safety nets in extreme cases and of course the PenoGuard™ system.

The bottom line is that the more Fall Safety equipment in the arsenal, the better, but only if it is put to proper use.

Fall Safety Equipment is important but using it and using it properly are equally important. Many companies voluntarily provide training programs for their employees and are often required by regulation to provide a specified number of hours in annual safety training for employees. Hand-in-hand with having the proper safety equipment is having the knowledge to use it correctly. Many safety precautions are industry specific however all job site personnel would be wise to be aware of the following basic Fall Safety Tips:

• Recognize potential hazards and eliminate them when possible
• Reduce the exposure to risk
• Use the proper safety equipment
• Recognize both where and how to safety equipment
• Make sure equipment is anchored and fitted properly
• Insure handrails, scaffolding, ladders, are secured
• Keep work areas free from obstructions
• Always have a plan before working in hazardous situations

Fall Safety should be the first concern for those working at height in hazardous conditions. Being alert, having a plan, using Fall Safety Equipment like PenoGuard™ and being trained in its proper use are critical factors that insure the safety of all.

PenoGuard™ is fast becoming a market leader in fall protection for penetrations and openings in confined spaces. With both civil and construction applications you’ll find PenoGuard™ to literally be a lifesaver.

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