When it comes to injuries that lead to time off, falls are near the top of the list. Even working at ground level can lead to potential fall-related injuries. When things move off the ground, the situation becomes even more dangerous.

For that reason, having the proper fall protection is a must. There are several pieces of equipment that can play a key role in keeping workers safe as they work in even the most precarious of environments.

Fall Harnesses

One of the most common tools for preventing falls is the fall arrest harness. When on the job site, safety is paramount these days. Thankfully, having a proper fall harness can make a difference and create a much safer job environment than not having one.

These harnesses can be properly adjusted and attached to keep workers from falling from nearly any height. Best of all, they are easy to use, so there is no excuse for not having a few on the average job site. Full-body harnesses with connectors, lifelines, shock-absorbing lanyards, and other features to decrease the fall acceleration create the optimal solution for potentially dangerous falls while on the job.

Safety Nets

Depending on the job, systems like catch platforms, scaffolds, ladders, safety lines, safety belts, and temporary floors are commonplace. In order to promote proper safety, using safety nets can be a great way to provide protection for systems that don’t offer protection on all sides. Where there is edge work involved, safety nets are also ideal.

Typically, these are ideal when work needs to be done 25 feet or more off the ground. Falls happen in even the safest environments, so having a safety net can be the ultimate failsafe. Construction sites make use of safety nets on a regular basis to ensure that workers remain safe even when working from various heights.

Guardrails

Working on scaffolding and stands is commonplace. Especially on construction sites in the middle of a cityscape, scaffolding is a must. In order to prevent falls from occurring on those scaffolding platforms, there is a failsafe put into place to ensure proper safety: guardrails.

Guardrails are ideal for lower-level falls. These guardrails have been constructed to withstand forces up to 200 pounds without failing. For heights less than 25 feet, having scaffolding with guardrails can be the best option available. Even better, some systems can either come with guardrails in place or have them added after the fact. Even falls from seemingly harmless heights can wind up having grave consequences, so don’t skip past this safety measure on the job site.

Other Equipment

Those may be the main forms of fall protection, but that’s not where it ends. Positioning devices – like anchorage systems, harnesses, and body belts – can be ideal for preventing falls of all sorts. There are different versions available depending on the height and the environment in which they are being used. Basically, anything more than two feet should have some kind of positioning device involved.

Warning line systems are a must as well. It is a flagged line that ultimately traces around the perimeter of a roof or raised work surface. Though it may see simple, it is a warning that edges are nearby. Simply being aware of those edges can be great for preventing falls and these should be installed at least 6 feet from the edge (10 feet when mechanical equipment is in use).

Finally, make sure openings are covered. Roofs, skylights, floors, and other areas should be covered to prevent falling through. These covers are capable of supporting ample weight without the risk of falling through.