Fall ProtectionStandard 29 CFR Part 1910.21-24

© 2006, 2010 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Danger of Falls

• Nearly 25 percent of all seriously disabling work injuries

• 300,000 disabling injuries each year in the United States

• Second only to motor vehicle accidents as a cause of death

• Expensive, disruptive, painful and sometimes tragic – whether on or off the job

Today’s Agenda

• Types of falls• Preventing slips• Preventing trips• Falls from ladders

In today’s session, we’ll be discussing:

• Falls from equipment• Falls from loading docks• Falls on stairs• Safety footwear

Types of Falls

Same-Level Falls• High frequency, low

severity• Slips or trips on

walking/working surface

Elevated Falls• Low frequency, high

severity• >60 percent are less than

10 feet

Slips

Usually caused by a slippery surface Two types of slips

– Front foot heel slips, person falls backward– Rear foot slips backward, person falls forward

Prevention through dry walking and working surfaces – Non-skid strips or floor coatings

Prevention through slip-resistant footwear– Cleated, soft rubber soles

Trips, Step and Fall

Trips occur when front foot strikes an object, stopping it.

Causes of trips:– As little as 3/8” rise in a walkway– Difference in height of stairs– Objects in walkways

Step and fall occurs when front foot lands on a surface lower than expected

Fall results from a step forward or down, when inside or outside of foot lands on an object higher than the other side.

Causes of Injury

• Inadequate housekeeping• Inadequate lighting• Carrying objects that

obstruct vision• Walking too fast or running• Distractions, not watching,

sunglasses, failure to use handrails

Slips

Step and fall

Trips

Falls from Ladders

Use only ANSI-approved ladders– Never use metal ladders where they could come into contact with

electricity

Top three rungs/top two steps should never be used for standing

For each 4’ of rise, the base should be 1’ out

Ladder must be absolutely stable Ladder must be thoroughly inspected

before use Use heeled shoes – rung goes just in front

of heel Face ladder while climbing, belt buckle

between rails

Falls from Equipment

Extra riders falling from tractors, equipment or the bed of a truck can lead to death or serious injury

Safest way is no riders If the operation requires riders, they must

have seats or protected work areas Many injuries occur due to slippery metal

steps – keep them dry Grip tightly with both hands before stepping

up

Falls from Loading Docks

Metal dock plates can be slippery, edges of plates can cause trips

Proper housekeeping, following traffic patterns, use of abrasive, skid-resistant surface

Falls on Stairs

Have one hand free at all times to hold on to handrail

Keep steps free of grease and oil

Avoid carrying bulky or heavy objects that obscure your vision or require both hands

Additional Fall Prevention

Use fall protection devices when working at high elevation: ladders, platforms, catwalks

Protection system could be: a protective cage, lifeline, lanyard or safety belt/harness

Change warning signs often and remove when no longer applicable more effective

Safety Footwear

Shoes and boots provide three types of protection:

Slip-resistant soles and heels Crush-resisting toe Ankle support

Always use ANSI-approved work shoes Softer soles are for slippery indoor

conditions In wet environments or around chemicals,

oils, greases or pesticides, wear PVC boots

What should I remember?

Regularly inspect working and walking areas to identify slip, trip and fall hazards

Prioritize housekeeping and clean up spills immediately

Be sure you always have good light and nothing is blocking your view of your path

Follow all precautions when using equipment If you see a hazard, correct it if possible or

inform a supervisor immediately Always wear proper PPE, especially proper

footwear Report any injuries immediately so The Lilly

Company can prevent future incidents