The below graphs are from OSHA for region 5 which is the region International Decorators is located in. Region 5 consists of the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. These graphs illustrate the causes of fatalities in region 5 for the five-year period of 2007 through 2011. As you can see, falls account for the overall most fatalities during this time period followed by struck by and then electrocutions. The 2nd graph below shows that most fatal falls were from ladders followed by scaffolding and then through skylights. This is why over the years we have provided a tremendous amount of safety training on fall protection. Falls are the leading killer in construction. This is why we don't "wing it" when it comes to fall protection. We plan fall protection needs into our projects, however, there are times when unforeseen fall protection issues arise.
If you are exposed to falls of 6' or more to a lower level, you must use fall protection. Employees cannot work in unprotected areas where they are exposed to falls of 6' or more to lower levels. You must have either guardrails protecting you from falls, personal fall arrest systems such as a safety harness, lanyard and choker secured to a 5,000 lb anchorage point and in some cases a warning line system.
If you find that you are at a job site and there unprotected 6' fall exposures, notify your supervisor so we can ensure that we have a fall protection plan in place. You can also call our Safety Director, Peter Graham at (847) 417-1689.
Have a Safe Day!
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