Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/66838
72 • JUNE 2012 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Editor's note: This month's Edi- tor's Column (on page 4) deals with an unfortunate (and costly) experience one Illinois fence contractor recently had with OSHA stemming from his workers being caught not wearing re- quired fall protection gear (among other violations). In light of the fact that in the construction industry in the U.S., falls are the leading cause of worker fatalities and injuries, we are publishing portions of an OSHA out- reach program whose goal is to edu- cate construction companies on OSHA regulations designed to prevent falls. This is the first installment, as the reg- ulations are quite lengthy. Look for more in the July edition of World Fence News. This is in no way a comprehen- sive review of all applicable OSHA regulations, but simply an educational outreach. Always consult official sources for regulations and require- ments. Because many fence installa- tions require working at heights (such as on large backstops), fall protection should be high on your list of topics at company safety meetings and tool box talks.) According to OSHA, each year, on average, between 150 and 200 workers are killed and more than 100,000 are injured as a result of falls at construction sites. OSHA recognizes that accidents involving falls are generally complex events frequently involving a variety of factors. Consequently the standard for fall protection deals with both the human and equipment-related issues in pro- tecting workers from fall hazards. For example, employers and em- ployees need to do the following: • Where protection is required, se- lect fall protection systems appropri- ate for given situations. • Use proper construction and in- stallation of safety systems. • Supervise employees properly. • Use safe work procedures. OSHA outreach program aims to educate construction workers on ways to prevent falls • Train workers in the proper se- lection, use, and maintenance of all protection systems. OSHA has developed systems and procedures designed to prevent em- ployees from falling off, onto, or through working levels and to protect employees from being struck by falling objects. The performance-ori- ented requirements make it easier for employers to provide the necessary protection. The rules cover most construction workers except those inspecting, in- vestigating, or assessing workplace conditions prior to the actual start of work or after all work has been com- pleted. The rules identify areas or activi- ties where fall protection is needed. (Not all of these would apply to fence installation or manufacturing sites.) These include, but are not limited to, ramps, runways, and other walkways; excavations; hoist areas; holes; form- work and reinforcing steel; leading edge work; unprotected sides and edges; overhand bricklaying and re- lated work; roofing work; precast con- crete erection; wall openings; residential construction; and other walking/working surfaces. The rule sets a uniform threshold height of 6 feet (1.8 meters), thereby providing consistent protection. This means that construction em- ployers must protect their employees from fall hazards and falling objects whenever an affected employee is 6 feet (1.8 meters) or more above a lower level. Protection must also be provided for construction workers who are ex- posed to the hazard of falling into dan- gerous equipment. Under the standard, employers will be able to select fall protection Duty to have fall protection Employers are required to assess the workplace to determine if the walking/working surfaces on which There are numerous sources for information on fall protection, in addition to the specific regulations from OSHA. They are widely available on the internet. For more information from OSHA, call the agency at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or better, visit www.osha.gov. employees are to work have the strength and structural integrity to safely support workers. Employees are not permitted to work on those surfaces until it has been determined that the surfaces have the requisite strength and structural in- tegrity to support the workers. Once employers have determined that the surface is safe for employees to work on, the employer must select one of the options listed for the work operation if a fall hazard is present. For example, if an employee is ex- posed to falling 6 feet (l .8 meters) or measures compatible with the type of work being performed. Fall protection generally can be provided through the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, positioning device systems, and warning line systems, among others. The OSHA rule clarifies what an employer must do to provide fall pro- tection for employees, such as identi- fying and evaluating fall hazards and providing specific training. Require- ments to provide fall protection for workers on scaffolds and ladders and for workers engaged in steel erection of buildings arc covered in other sub- parts of OSHA regulations. more from an unprotected side or edge, the employer must select either a guardrail system, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system to protect the worker. Similar requirements are prescribed for other fall hazards. Controlled access zones A controlled access zone is a work area designated and clearly marked in which certain types of work (such as overhand bricklaying) may take place without the use of conventional fall protection systems – guardrail, per- sonal arrest or safety net – to protect the employees working in the zone. Controlled access zones are used to keep out workers other than those authorized to enter work areas from which guardrails have been removed. Where there are no guardrails, masons are the only workers allowed in con- trolled access zones. Controlled access zones, when created to limit entrance to areas where leading edge work and other op- erations are taking place, must be de- fined by a control line or by any other means that restrict access. Control lines shall consist of ropes, wires, tapes or equivalent mate- rials, and supporting stanchions, and each must be: • Flagged or otherwise clearly marked at not more than 6-foot (1.8- meter) intervals with high-visibility material; • Rigged and supported in such a way that the lowest point (including sag) is not less than 39 inches (1 meter) from the walking/working sur- face and the highest point is not more than 45 inches (1.3 meters) – nor more than 50 inches (1.3 meters) when over- hand bricklaying operations are being performed – from the walking/work- ing surface; • Strong enough to sustain stress of not less than 200 pounds. Control lines shall extend along continued on page 74