Fall-specific training is important in the workplace for many reasons. First, there are several ways to fall in various work settings, from ladders to scaffolding to trips and beyond. Second, it’s a common injury for workers’ compensation claims, costing businesses a lot of money on something that is typically preventable. Third, it can be deadly. In fact, in 2020, over 800 workers died from a fall while on the job in the US, and over 211,000 were injured so badly, they had to take days off work to recover. Labor statistics state that about 36% of workplace deaths in the country were a result of a fall, and in 2021, there was a death every 101 minutes from a work-related injury. Workplace injuries and deaths affect every person on the worksite.
Common Fall Hazards in the Workplace
The most common workplace falls are caused by ladder, scaffolding, or roofing accidents. Safety training for these three main fall risks should go over ladder inspection and proper usage of a ladder, how to design and use scaffolding safely, roof edge safety and sunlight or uncovered hole safety, and setting up and maintaining a safe job site. Safety features such as guardrail systems, fall arrest systems, safety nets, covers, and restraint devices can prevent many injuries or deaths. Other lesser-known hazards include improper usage of body harnesses, getting struck by another falling object, getting caught between equipment, loading and unloading of trailers, articulated boom trucks, mezzanines, unsafe anchor points, or electrical work complications. Unfortunately, sometimes falls happen simply because someone feels overly confident in their abilities and refuses to practice safety protocols. The “it won’t happen to me” attitude should not be tolerated on the worksite. Safety is for everyone, which is why it’s important everyone at the company, including management and administrative staff, attends safety trainings.
Training Guidelines
OSHA recommends that fall prevention training for employees include three main guidelines: A participatory session – where workers attend a full-session training where they can talk, ask questions, and discuss the safety topic openly. A short training option – a “toolbox” session that is only about 5-10 minutes for refreshers and keeping the topic fresh in employees’ minds. And the trainings should be easy to follow. Avoid brining in a trainer that will lecture for an hour, then leave. This will be boring, unengaging, and employees will struggle to retain anything. Training must be applicable with open engagement between staff and trainer and be taught in a way that is understandable. A good training session will include a trainer that can read the room and know when to shift gears to ensure the entire group is on board and understanding the topics. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety of all your employees. You may not be able to be at every job site every minute of the day, but by prioritizing safety, your employees will likely follow suit. Ensure your staff is safe from falls by bringing in Shield-Safety’s expert trainers for engaging, knowledgeable training sessions.