Falling from the roof, elevated platforms, and other high places are common causes of injuries in the workplace. This accounts for a high percentage of job fatalities in industries like construction. Failure in providing enough fall protection is a violation that is held upon companies that do not follow safety and health standards. Generally, employees should be protected from any falls if they work at a certain height above the ground. By using height safety products, they are less prone to accidents from a height.

Risks Should Never be Underestimated

Employees have to be well-equipped when working at certain heights, and this does not only apply to those who are working on tall buildings. Companies should provide height safety products to prevent any accidents or injuries. Actually, accidents happen when they are at a lower height compared to when they are higher because there is a tendency to underestimate the risks involved. Safety should always be a priority no matter at what height the employee is working.

Make Sure the Employees are Using Height Safety Products Properly

There are a lot of variations of height safety products, but all of them have a harness to be worn that connects to a lanyard or lifeline, which is connected to an anchor. Making sure that the harness has a snug fit on the employee is important. Straps that are made too tight have the tendency to cut off blood circulation to their legs, but if the harness is too loose it could let an employee slip out and fall to the ground.

What is Required from Employers?

Employers should make sure that the height they are working at is carefully planned and there is a risk assessment done for all the work being conducted at certain heights. The employer should not just let anyone work at a height because the employee's competency is also a factor that needs to be considered. Aside from being competent, the equipment they are using to work at a certain height should be inspected and properly maintained to avoid accidents. Since there is a risk of the employee falling, the fragile surfaces should be controlled to ensure that it will not give in, which could lead to an accident or injury -- this is in addition to using height safety products.

By taking note of these factors involving height safety products, you will know how important they are in construction in case you are planning for a project in the future.       

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