Understanding your jobsite’s unique hazards is an important first step in determining the appropriate fall protection solution for your organization — from PPE to engineered systems.
Dave Stagon
Sales Enablement & Training Program Manager – Fall Protection Engineered Systems, MSA Safety
Selecting fall protection begins with a site hazard assessment. Identifying risks and understanding applicable OSHA requirements and ANSI standards can help you choose solutions that help drive worker safety and regulatory compliance.
Considerations for a Hazard Assessment may include:
- Identify fall hazards by inspecting elevated areas and walking-working surfaces.
- Apply the Hierarchy of Controls by prioritizing Hazard Elimination, followed by Passive Fall Protection, then Active Fall Protection (restraint, then arrest).
- For arrest systems, calculate fall clearance and verify anchor strength, ensuring anchorages can support at least 5,000 lbs. or are engineered by a Qualified Person.
- Develop rescue plans. OSHA requires employers to provide for prompt rescue of workers following a fall.[i]
- Document and communicate findings, required PPE, anchor points, and hazards.
- Monitor through documented inspections and periodic reassessments.
Once hazards have been evaluated, you can determine solutions for your jobsite.
Fall protection solutions generally fall into:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE). Used when fall hazards cannot be eliminated, PPE may include harnesses, self-retracting devices (SRDs/PFLs), and anchorage connectors. MSA PPE is designed to support comfort, compliance, and ease of use, helping workers stay focused on the job.
- Engineered systems. Designed for specific structures, tasks, and environments, engineered systems often require site evaluation, engineering, installation, and ongoing support. Examples include horizontal lifelines, fixed ladder systems, and roof walkway systems. MSA solutions are built to meet demanding quality and durability requirements, and are installed through a Trusted Installer network.
Users should receive training and follow all product instructions, labels, markings, and warnings before using PPE, engineered systems, or related equipment, as required by the manufacturer, applicable standards, regulations, and employer policies.
References
[1] https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.502; https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.140
