Fall Protection Info
This photo shows the proper use of a temporary guardrail boot.
Once the boot is secured to the floor, a double 2x4 is inserted
into it to provide an upright for attachment of guardrails
and midrails.
Proper use of a safety harness (above) will keep a worker safe
and actually make him more productive. This worker is attached
to a secure point to prevent serious injury in the event of
a fall.
The WallWalkers™ are light
weight aluminum scaffold brackets that are hung over the top
plate or foundation wall on the inside of the wall to hold a
walkboard. This is a quick and efficient way of providing a working
surface on the inside of a wall so that the worker no longer
has to work from the top plate. As a bonus, the framing process
is expedited.
FATALITIES
The vast majority of residential construction workers DO NOT
use fall protection on a regular basis. With a statistic like
that, chances are you’ve seen workers without fall protection
on your job site. If you looked away, you’re contributing
to a problem that is now plaguing our industry. It’s a
problem that is costing all of us needless expenses and is costing
more and more workers their livelihood and even their lives.
In terms of dollars, fall-related injuries account for one half
of all claims paid out by Builders Mutual. Falls are one of the
most devastating types of injuries on a job site. When properly
used fall protection is in place, falls should and can be prevented.
CLAIMS
Every fall becomes a claim. And while we treat every claim with
the utmost urgency and legitimacy, we’ve always said we’d
much rather prevent a claim than process one. With increased
claims activity comes increased operating and
administrative costs. We certainly have the staff and expertise
to spend whatever time and effort is necessary to examine all
claims thoroughly, but a great many of these claims would never
exist if proper fall protection were in place on every job site.
DELAYS
Many workers don’t like using fall protection because "it
takes too long" or "it gets in the way." What
they don’t know is that workers who use fall protection
are actually more efficient—it’s been proven. Workers
who don’t use fall protection and then end up getting hurt—they’re
the ones who create delays.
How much work is getting done waiting around for the ambulance?
How much work gets done while the worker is in the hospital?
How much time and productivity is lost because of a fall that
could have been avoided in the first place?
PREMIUMS
The bottom line is it’s on your shoulders to ensure the
safety of your workers. If you don’t, it could cost you
many times over, in terms of lost productivity and lost workers,
and in the form of increased premiums and OSHA fines. Builders
Mutual is only able to offer you the best coverage in the business
as long as you cooperate and do your part to make your workplace
as safe as possible. Contact your Builders Mutual Risk Management
expert if you need education or training materials regarding
fall protection. You’re a professional. Please do your
part to contribute to the professional image that benefits us
all. Keep your productivity up, your premiums down and your workers
safe.
You may obtain some of the fall protection
equipment and literature described in this article from these
companies:
- National Welders Supply Co., Inc.
303-C Concord St
Greensboro, NC 27406
Toll Free 800.326.3618
- WallWalker™ LLC
145 South 720 West
Lehi, UT 84043
Toll Free 877.844.9255
- Safety Boot by Safety Maker
www.safetyboot.com
P.O. Box 842014
Houston, TX 77284
Toll Free 800.804.4741
- OSHA 1926 Construction Industry Regulations
Builders Mutual Insurance Company
P.O. Box 150005
Raleigh, NC 27624-0005
Toll Free 800.809.4858
When inquiring about safety equipment from
these suppliers, simply indicate your affiliation with Builders
Mutual to obtain special pricing information.
Certain safety gear can be purchased at a
discount by visiting our STUFF Site.
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