Working at heights is a risky affair. It has a higher chance of injuries and fatalities due to a fall. A range of factors such as slippery floors, unstable worksites, and lifting exercises contribute to such mishaps. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, US) data from 2019, out of 1061 fatalities in construction 401 were due to falls. So the requirement for implementing effective fall protection measures is clear like daylight.Generally, construction workers are associated with such working environments. Such an observation will be an underestimation of the work done by maintenance staff who work at scaffoldings and other lifted platforms. They equally face the risks of falls and consequent injuries or fatalities. This points to the necessity of fall protection safety gears at all worksites at elevated platforms. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the employer to procure such safety gear for employees.The following sections are dedicated to exploring the critical role of fall protection for safety in workplaces.
How Fall Protection Measures Safeguard Workers
Prevention of Fatalities and Injuries
Just like a
protective coverall safeguards workers from exposure to harmful substances fall protection measures are designed to prevent workers from falling from heights. They serve as an arresting mechanism that significantly reduces the risk of fatal injuries and severe trauma resulting from falls from a height.
Protection of Worker Health and Well-being
Fall incidents make workers vulnerable to fractures, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and internal organ damage which could have major impacts on their physical health and well-being. Moreover, the financial strains impacted by such injuries are beyond the level of tolerance for low-income workers. In this perspective, fall protection measures contribute to worker health and well-being on a greater scale.
Other Benefits of Fall Protection in Workplaces
Enhancement of Worker Confidence and Morale
Better safety measures give them a feeling of being cared for. Moreover, they will have a secure feeling in the workplace. Thus employee morale and confidence are enhanced.
Compliance with Regulations and Standards
The local administration in the UAE is vigilant towards unsafe workplace practices. So ensuring safety measures such as fall protection gears and
protective coverall protect the employers from penal proceedings.
Reduction of Financial Costs
Fall incidents could demand a considerable sum from the employer in the form of compensation claims and legal fees. The Centre for Construction Research and Training estimates that an average worker compensation claim for a fall injury is around 61,000 Dollars. Beyond this, there are hidden financial losses in the form of lost productivity. Considering such losses procuring effective fall protection gear is a critical decision from a financial perspective.
Measures and Equipment That Matters
Guard Rails:
These are passive fall protections made of a sturdy material. It safeguards workers at edges and openings that are susceptible to a fall.
Safety Nets:
In the event of a fall these nets placed below elevated work areas catch the workers.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems:
These are used in high-risk areas to anchor the personnel onto a nearby anchoring point. It thus arrests possible falls while limiting the movement of the worker. It is also equipped with a safety harness to spread the force on the body in the event of a fall. It thus accommodates chances for an injury.In a nutshell, work safety precautions and equipment such as a
protective coverall or a personal fall arrest system are critical for a positive work culture. In the case of elevated workspaces, this has a greater relevance for the grievous implications as mentioned in the above sections. Moreover, such systems also have other implications that affect the overall work culture.Budget Uniform is a company that is concerned about such critical roles of safety measures. With this perception, we strive our best to ensure optimum safety for the safety uniforms and products supplied from our outlets. We believe in fostering a work culture that adds value to all stakeholders.
