Avoiding Falls
A SAFETY TALK FOR
DISCUSSION LEADERS
This safety talk is designed for discussion leaders to use in preparing safety
meetings.
Set a specific time and date for your safety meeting. Publicize your meeting
so everyone involved will be sure to attend.
Review this safety talk before the meeting and become familiar with its
content. Make notes about the points made in this talk that pertain to your
workplace. You should be able to present the material in your own words and
lead the discussion without reading it.
Seating space is not absolutely necessary, but arrangements should be made so
that those attending can easily see and hear the presentation.
Collect whatever materials and props you will need ahead of time. Try to use
equipment in your workplace to demonstrate your points.
DURING THE MEETING
Give the safety talk in your own words. Use the printed talk merely as a
guide.
The purpose of a safety meeting is to initiate discussion of safety problems
and provide solutions to those problems. Encourage employees to discuss
hazards or potential hazards the encounter on the job. Ask them to suggest ways
to improve safety in their area.
Don't let the meeting turn into a gripe session about unrelated topics. As
discussion leader, its your job to make sure the topic is safety. Discussing
other topics wastes time and can ruin the effectiveness of your safety meeting.
At the end of the meeting, ask employees to sign a sheet on the back of this
talk as a record that they attended the safety meeting. Keep this talk on file
for your records.
Avoiding Falls
Many serious and fatal injuries are caused by falls.
Everyone working on construction jobs must be alert to the hazards that can
cause falls. If hazards are discovered, they should be reported to the
supervisor and immediate action should be taken to eliminate them.
The following are the hazards that cause the majority of falls in the
construction industry. Let's look at the ways to prevent or eliminate these
hazards.
Slippery areas, debris, lumber, and various hard materials and equipment
scattered over the floor and construction site can cause serious falls. Proper
housekeeping can eliminate these hazards and reduce falls caused by slipping,
tripping and stumbling. Slippery floors caused by oil or grease spills or ice
should be cleaned up immediately. Tools should be stored in a box or rack when
not in use. Scrap and debris should be placed n a scrap container.
Stairways and stairwells can also be serious hazards. Temporary handrails and
barricade rails should always be placed on stairs and stairwells. Failure to
use the handrail can result in a serious fall from the top to the bottom of the
stairway. When going down stairs, keep your hand on the handrail so you can
grasp it quickly to prevent a fall.
Worn or broken treads on stairs are also slipping hazards. Replace any
defective treads. Never place or store materials or tools on stairways.
Floor openings and pits should always be barricaded or covered with planking
that is securely fastened in place.
Ladder rails and rungs must always be of the proper design, material and size.
Ladder should never be used if the rails are cracked or the rungs are missing
or broken. Ladders leading to landings or walkways should extend at least 36
inches above the landing and should be securely fastened. Long ladders must be
braced at intermediate points.
Improper placement of the ladder can result in a sudden shift, which could
cause a fall. The proper slope of a ladder is essential for maximum safety.
Ladders should always be placed properly. The base of the ladder should be set
at a distance of one-fourth the height of the ladder away from the wall or
structure. Always make sure the ladder is solidly set before climbing it. If
necessary, lay it in place to avoid shifting.
Always use two hands when climbing a ladder. Carrying objects in one hand can
cause a sudden fall. Place both hands on the side rails, or rungs, whichever is
surest for you. Keep a tool line in your pocket for raising or lowering tools
or small objects.
Ascending or descending a ladder backward is a sure way to head for trouble.
Always face the ladder when climbing, descending or working on it.
Steel scaffolding should be erected and used in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations. ProPer seating and locking of all connections
and using the correct devices are extremely important. All scaffolding must
conform to the safety code design and be in strict compliance with material
specifications and bracing. Where required, steel or wood scaffolds that are
more than 4 feet high shall have toe boards and guardrail.
Many serious falls can occur while hurrying. Walk, don't run.
Management can do everything possible to provide safe working conditions. But
we need your help. Report any unsafe condition you discover immediately and
follow the helpful suggestions we have discussed.
NOTE TO DISCUSSION LEADER:
If falls have occurred recently in your area, be prepared to discuss the
accidents with your employees. Listen to their ideas; they may have the answer
you have been looking for. Also, mention any hazards that may be peculiar to
your particular operation.