5 Handy Tips for Fall Arrest Anchors

Falls are a common cause of injury both at home and in the workplace. Falls are not trivial injuries, and, depending on the height one falls from, they can result in a fracture of the bone, laceration, dislocation, and even severe head injury.

And nobody wants that to happen.

That said, falls can occur for many reasons, some of which consist of:

• Walking on a slippery or uneven surface.
• Suddenly losing balance.
• Losing grip on the railing.
• Sliding on a loose rug.
• Loose brick, pothole or some obstruction in the path.

In most cases of work-related falls, the worker is frequently carrying equipment or lifting items, which not only increases the risk of a fall but also leads to more severe injury. The fact is that a large majority of falls, especially work-related falls can be prevented.

Here are five tips for fall arrest anchors:

1. Remain Proactive at All Time

To prevent falls, one can use either passive or active methods. The passive methods of preventing falls are easy to implement.

They include the following:

• Cover any hole in the ground, fix uneven pavement and get rid of loose rugs.
• Install a fence.
• Have guard rails along steps or staircases.
• For people working at heights, ensure that they wear a safety harness or make sure there is a safety net employed.

2. Become Familiar with the Equipment

The active fall prevention methods require a greater understanding of the safety equipment and how it works. Also, active fall prevention should be part of part of daily work life, and measures should be in place to ensure that all parties comply with the system.

Some active fall protection methods in the workplace include the following:

• Wear a body harness or a safety device when working at heights.
• When working on the roofs or tall buildings, utilize anchor points, use snap hooks and lifelines in case you slip.
• When climbing trees or electric pool, always use lanyard lines.
• Always be aware of the situation and the potential to fall.

3. Rules Are Not Made to be Broken

There are many local and state rules and regulatory bodies that recommend worker safety, but in the end, it is employers who are primarily responsible for maintaining the safety of the workplace. This means that all employees have to be educated about the hazards in the workplace and how to prevent falls. Indeed, workers should also abide by the rules of workplace safety.

Next, there must be hazard or fall signs posted at sites where the risk of fall is present. The employer must remove all potential fall hazards like loose bricks, unused or broken equipment and wires from the area to prevent tripping.

Finally, it is recommended that the employer conduct safety drills so that everyone is prepared in the event of an accident. Evidence shows that pre-planned drills that mimic real-life experiences can help workers deal better when there is a fall in the workplace.

4. Follow Safety Protocol

All workers should follow established safety rules in the workplace. OSHA has a number of recommendations for workplace safety that can help lower the risk of falls. The key is to be compliant. Both employers and employees are responsible for playing their part. This is the only way falls can be prevented, and workplace safety can be maintained.

5. Avoid the Shortcuts – It Will Only Lead to Danger

We want to save time, but when we do, the most basic of safety procedures are abandoned. Simply put: Do not cut corners and never rush when working at heights.

Technology is constantly evolving, and newer equipment is being introduced in the workplace quite frequently. This is why it is important to learn the potential hazards of all workplace equipment and preventive measures that can prevent falls and other work-related injuries.