5 Steps To Implementing A Fall Prevention Program

Fall Prevention Program

Learn How To Improve Workplace Safety

Workplace accidents have a devastating impact on your workers. From offset crashboxes to too much space between vehicles and equipment, your work site presents a number of safety hazards that shouldn’t be ignored.
Developing a fall prevention program is an important step toward reducing accidents and injuries at your facility. The goal of this program is to identify fall hazards in the workplace and develop procedures that help keep employees safe.

What To Include In Your Fall Prevention Plan

Your workers must be able to recognize the dangers of working at heights and understand how to avoid falls or other injuries. This may sound basic, but working at heights for any length of time becomes routine. Conducting training sessions is a great way to remind your employees of these dangers. Before developing a fall prevention program for your company, familiarize yourself with OSHA regulations regarding working at heights. Every facility is different, but here are some important topics to address:

• A description of workplace safety hazards
• How to eliminate these hazards
• Proper procedures for using safety equipment
• Safety procedures and workplace best practices
• Inspection, maintenance and storage procedures for equipment

Put this information in a manual and distribute it to all employees during training. Provide certification for all employees who read the handbook, complete training and demonstrate an understanding of workplace best practices.

5  Steps To Implementing A Fall Prevention Program

1- Bring Your Team Together
Before making changes to your fall prevention plan, bring your entire team together to discuss safety issues and areas for improvement. As your employees work on the floor every day, they’re likely to see hazards that you don’t. Keep an open mind during this discussion, and give everyone in your company a chance to provide their input.
2- Assess Your Work Site
After meeting with your team, conduct an audit of your work site. Walk around your facility and identify the following aspects:

• Safety equipment that’s currently in place
• Shortcomings of your equipment
• Fall hazards
• Old or worn-out equipment

During this time, don’t forget to check for process changes or changes in your bulk carriers that might keep your fall prevention equipment from fitting properly. These changes often lead to workarounds that aren’t safe for your workers and may hinder throughput.
3- Work With A Safety Equipment Vendor
Safety equipment isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you’re looking to install new equipment or update your current solutions, be sure to work with an experienced vendor.
Your vendor will help you assess your facility and make recommendations on the right equipment for your needs and safety procedures.
4- Develop A Safety Training Program
Based on discussions with your employees and safety equipment vendor along with OSHA regulations, develop a safety training program for your employees.
Training is a critical step when implementing a fall prevention program. All employees (and their managers) who are exposed to safety hazards on the job should go through training. Your training program should include regular in-person training sessions, a training manual and safety signs around your facility.
5- Communicate Changes With Your Team
After you develop your fall prevention program, communicate these changes to your team.
Rather than sending out a company-wide email, sit down with your employees to discuss all major changes, pass out training manuals and let everyone know when they can attend safety training sessions.
Accidents and injuries negatively impact employee morale, throughput efficiency and your bottom line. By implementing a fall prevention program, you’re actively taking steps to reduce the risk of accidents and improve workplace safety.