Falls from a height in the workplace aren’t limited to ladder-related such as off a loading dock, from the back of a truck, or even while navigating stairs. These types of falls are similar but different than falls from the same level.
The first step to managing these risks is to identify and assess potential hazards in the workplace. Once these are pinpointed, work with team members to come up with strategies to eliminate or reduce these risks.
Here are some effective strategies to decrease the likelihood of falls from a height:
- Mark areas near edges with a bright color, such as yellow, to alert workers of potential hazards.
- Mark each stair nose with yellow to clearly indicate individual steps.
- Always use handrails when ascending and descending stairs.
- Highlight the tailgate area on trucks to indicate proximity to an edge.
- When using ladders, keep in mind that most accidents happen when descending—commonly at about ten feet from the ground.
- The most straightforward strategy is to ensure workers pay attention to and remain aware of their surroundings at all times.
Implementing these tips can significantly reduce injuries resulting from falls due to falls from elevation changes in floors, proximity to edges, or heights.
For further guidance and ideas for your safety meetings, the RS Safety Library provides more information about this topic. The RS SafetyTV also has videos about Falls (#4 and #5).
Our dedicated safety team is ready to assist members in improving their safety programs, moving beyond compliance toward quality safety practices. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.
