Do you remember the fatal Gold Coast worksite accident that happened last year? Although it was a very unfortunate event, it should be regarded as a reminder that working while on tremendous heights is no game and it should be done only if you’re equipped with the right fall prevention equipment.
But even despite the fact that there are many injuries and falls from heights occurring on a global level, there are still companies that do not do their best to ensure their workers are safe while on site. That is, they don’t invest in a quality equipment to keep them from harm’s way. According to the latest report of the Work-Related Traumatic Injury Fatalities, 25 Australian workers have died in construction-related accidents in 2016. For that reason, entering the work site without the proper gear is a huge NO. Harnesses, shock-absorbing lanyards, self-retracting lanyards, anchorage connectors and suspension trauma devices, as well as many other needed equipment pieces are a must. The crucial element among all these pieces? The harness.
The harness is a type of fall prevention equipment that could save your workers’ lives. Although various styles of safety harness are available on the market, all of them are designed with the same purpose in mind – to hold an individual in case of a slip and prevent him from falling down.
Construction harnesses come with a padded belt and allow additional weight to be carried. They also come with more D-rings which enable wearers to position themselves while working. When choosing a safety harness, look for models that come with different features and provide extra comfort – remember that your workers will be using them most of their work day.
The harness goes hand-in-hand with shock-absorbing lanyards, which is a type of fall prevention equipment that has a function to reduce the force of impact at the end of a fall. It is used to connect the harness to an anchor point, minimizing possible falls to the shortest distance possible.
Self-retracting lanyards are also important as they provide bigger freedom of movement. These use a nylon web or galvanized wire lanyard that retracts from a spool, and a retraction mechanism that locks in case of a rapid descent, stopping falls quickly.
And last but not least are the anchorage connectors and suspension trauma devices. Anchorage connectors are used to connect the wearer to a fixed structure, such as rails and l-beans. Suspension trauma devices are used to alleviate the effects of orthostatic intolerance, also called suspension trauma.
Whether your workers will be working on a city skyscraper or on a two-story house, you should always provide them with the proper fall prevention equipment. It will not only keep them safe, but it will also free their hands for working, even when hanging on the side of a building.
