Page 5 - Final Safety Notes August 2020

August 2020 Volume 63

Fall Protection Update

by Megan Spackman, Refinery/MSHA Program Manager
For the 9th year in a row, Slips, Trips, and Falls are

in the top 10 most cited OSHA violations
information). This year, of 11 deaths on
mining properties, 3 were fall related. Of MSHA
nonfatal days lost injuries (2015 – June 30, 2020),
26% were slip or fall related and 62% of those
injuries were falls from elevation (MSHA
Stakeholder’s Meeting, June 30, 2020, visit here for
more information). Understandably, both OSHA and
MSHA are highlighting fall safety this year.
Providing the correct fall protection and training
on how to use it is important to protect your team
from hazards, but does your company have a safety
culture to ensure they use the equipment when
necessary?
Does your team know they are required to use fall protection equipment when a fall hazard is present and how to
recognize those hazards? Are they comfortable stopping work if proper equipment is not available?
The data indicates it may be time to review your fall protection plan to ensure your team works safely and your
company is protected from possible citations or other liabilities.

According to a discussion during the MSHA Stakeholders Meeting on June 30, 2020; companies are required to:
1. Provide safe access to elevated work areas.
2. Provide fall protection equipment.
3. Implement fall prevention measures.
4. Train workers to:
a. Recognize fall hazards.
b. Evaluate the risks associated with fall hazards.
c. Control fall hazards through preventative or protective measures.

For more information on fall safety, check out our MEDIA LIBRARY, our STREAMING LIBRARY, or contact
us at occupational@utahsafetycouncil.org to schedule a Fall Protection for the Competent Person course.
Further resources can be found through the OSHA and MSHA websites.
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