With so many effective safety solutions available on the market, why do falls from height continue to take such a heavy toll on workers?
Alfonso Fernandez of MSA Safety examines common issues related to the use of PPE and how to avoid mistakes.
A recent report1 from the United States by CPWR (Center for Construction Research and Training) highlights that falls from height are the leading cause of construction worker deaths, with 353 fatalities in 2020 alone2.
Similar concerns apply globally. In the Middle East, problems continue despite solid commitment and significant investment in enhancing safety. There is a hunger to raise standards in line with the rapid advances businesses make in this region’s industrial development and construction sectors.
The CPWR study states that more than half of the primary causes of falls come down to three reasons:
Equipment provided but not used
People who regularly work at heights can quickly become complacent about the risks. To help avoid complacency, employers can regularly remind their employees of the hazards present, the protective measures they should take, and the PPE and other safety equipment available to help protect against these risks. This message can be broadcast in the workplace and across industries.
Comprehensive hands-on training courses, repeated at intervals, are an excellent way to communicate this message. Between these intervals, you can reinforce the message in other ways. Regular ‘toolbox talks’ are one approach. As an extension of this, MSA has a PPE demonstration vehicle equipped to make safety presentations. You can also use networking discussions, meetings, and events to encourage sharing of information and experience between teams.
Aim to develop a culture of safety in your company. CPWR1 found that employees were eight times more likely to use fall protection equipment if they believed their employer required it. Thus, to help increase your employees’ use of fall protection equipment, you can make it a requirement—and you should be prepared to supervise and enforce such usage.
To help ensure that your employees comply with your company’s requirements to wear fall protection equipment, you should consider buying equipment they will want to wear. PPE products should fit well, whatever the wearer’s size and shape, feel comfortable, give a professional appearance, and be easy to use.
Incorrect PPE was provided, and equipment needed to be used properly.
You may have the appropriate equipment, but the worker may need to learn how to use it. In some instances, PPE that is not appropriate for the applicable situation may need to be correctly specified.
To select a product with the appropriate specifications, be clear about what you need it for. This should include a site survey and risk assessment, considering the local area’s characteristics and specific features. If a risk is correctly identified, your chosen equipment may suit the particular situation or be appropriately deployed. Identifying hazards in complex worksites is more effective when experts see these risks day in and day out.
In the CPWR1 survey, employees wearing improper fall protection equipment inappropriate for the specific situation were four times more likely to experience a fatal fall. If you select the wrong equipment, it may not give your workers the protection they need. Checking its markings for compliance with legal requirements is just the start. Verify that it complies with the necessary standards for your specific application, location and circumstances. And look for products that go beyond the legal minimum standard. Ease of use is desirable. You should consider user-friendliness when buying safety equipment. Also, consider purchasing versatile products that can protect different work situations.
Remember that equipment should be routinely checked, inspected, serviced, maintained, and repaired according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. These safeguards are necessary for it to become fit for use.
Proper training not provided
Fall protection training is recommended for everyone who works at heights, and it should be repeated at regular intervals. Training can be a problem in the Middle East region, as work locations are often very remote. The need for extensive travel time, regional knowledge, and the organization of visitor permits tend to limit the number of training providers available. These difficulties must be overcome, as training helps enhance safety.
Among the training-related findings in the CPWR1 survey is that falls were 76% less likely to be fatal if the worker had received self-rescue training before experiencing the fall. Those who avoided fatal falls were also more likely to have received equipment training from the vendor and manufacturer or from a Competent Person (someone with professional and practical expertise in fall safety, who can identify hazards and who is authorized to take action to eliminate risks).
Other training topics, including rescue planning, equipment inspection, site survey and hazard assessment, can also be provided as part of a comprehensive training programme.
Training programmes should be hands-on and tailored to address the specific needs of the participants. Their content should address the location and circumstances in which the participants work, the height challenges they face, and the nature of their jobs.
To summarize…
If you put suitable fall prevention equipment and practices in place, you can help prevent a worker from becoming a fall statistic. Excellent choices of equipment and solutions exist in the market. Assess what equipment is needed for each task, site and set of circumstances; choose the appropriate products and product combinations, and train your people to use these products properly. Above all, nurture a culture of safety in which they will be happy to use that equipment daily.
For further information on fall protection, visit the MSA Safety website.
Originally written by Alfonso Fernandez. Edited by Vibha Mehta.