Fall Protection 101
What is Fall Protection?
In construction, fall protection refers to a set of safety measures, equipment, and practices designed to prevent or mitigate the risk of workers falling from dangerous heights.
Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry, and fall protection is tightly regulated by occupational safety organizations all over the world.
Examples of Fall Protection
Warning lines: these are barriers made of ropes, wires, or chains to warn workers when they are approaching an unprotected roof side or elevated edge. They are typically used in conjunction with other fall protection measures.
An example of a warning line
Safety Nets: Safety nets are installed beneath elevated work areas to catch workers in the event of a fall. They are designed to absorb the impact and reduce the risk of injury.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS): PFAS are a combination of equipment that includes a body harness, lanyard, and anchor point. The body harness is worn by the worker, and the lanyard is attached to the harness and secured to a suitable anchor point. In the event of a fall, the PFAS stops the worker's descent and prevents them from hitting the ground.
A worker wearing a harness and lanyard
Scaffolding: Scaffolding itself can be a form of fall protection when properly designed and constructed. It provides a stable and secure working platform at heights, reducing the risk of falls.
Of course, effective fall protection requires workers be properly trained and educated in workplace hazards, the proper use of fall protection equipment, and how to protect themselves from falls.
Fall protection equipment also requires regular inspection and maintenance for reliability and effectiveness. Damage and wear-and-tear needs to be carefully monitored, and equipment needs to be replaced accordingly.
Why Fall Protection is Important
Fall protection can save your life. Working at heights always comes with risk, but the right equipment and training can minimize accidents.
According to OHS, more than 40,000 workers are injured in falls every year in Canada.
In 2022, WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) in Ontario reported 242 deaths caused by work related falls. But some agencies, including the Workers Health & Safety Centre, suggest this number could be closer to 2,500 after reviewing studies conducted by the Institute of Work and Health, the University of Washington, and the University of Ottawa. Flaws in data collection and under reporting could be contributing to inaccurate numbers.
The plain fact is that fall protection is extremely serious.
When is Fall Protection Required?
Canada-wide policy mandates fall protection be used from a structure, including ladders, or vehicle of 3 meters in height or more. Fall protection is required on a ladder of any height when the worker is unable to use at least one hand on the ladder. And finally, protection is needed even at heights under 3 meters when the surface where you’d land presents a greater risk of injury than a flat surface.
For instance, in Ontario, this may include any height over operating machinery, water or a hazardous substance or object, an opening on a work surface, or when the height is suspended over a path for a wheelbarrow or similar equipment.
Of course, be sure to check the specific fall protection standards required in your local area.
How Does the Whalen-Jack Stack Up?
The Whalen-Jack scaffolding system exceeds OSHA’s safety requirements in the USA, and OSHA has even officially recognized the Whalen-Jack.
Like any effective scaffold, the Whalen-Jack offers a secure platform for workers. Being non-ground based also removes the inherent risk of building traditional scaffolding on uneven ground.
Whalen-Jack Canada is proud to be the official distributor of Whalen-Jack in Canada, and the system is available for rent or purchase. Contact us with any questions you have, we’re happy to help meet your unique needs.