Did you know that falls are the leading cause of worker fatalities? Using compliant solutions, such as guardrails and barricades, Tennessee Roofing & Construction of Chattanooga can help you comply with OSHA and ANSI Fall Protection requirements for a safer workplace. Our safety systems are intended to prevent injury from unprotected sides or edges along ramps, walkways, platforms, fixed stairs, or roof edges.
Don’t fall for these four common myths and misconceptions below about commercial fall protection, call Tennessee Roofing & Construction today!
Myth: The Six-Foot Rule provides adequate fall protection safety.
FACT: The 6-foot rule is the idea that no fall protection is required, if work is performed at least 6 feet from a leading edge. This is a myth, according to both OSHA standards.
“OSHA has determined that there is no safe distance from an unprotected side or leading edge that would render fall protection unnecessary.”
Myth: We don’t get on the roof very often.
“I don’t need any fall protection; it’s only going to take me a minute to install.”
FACT: No matter 60 seconds or 60 minutes, OSHA compliant fall protection must be provided when employees are performing construction work on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is six feet or more above a lower level.
Myth: We do not perform maintenance on the roof.
FACT: Not only is this a myth, it is also poor rooftop etiquette. Roofs often require regular maintenance and repair, as they may contain gas lines, HVAC, electrical, piping, and ventilation, not to mention the annual upkeep on roofing and drainage. Each of these activities are potential sources of fall hazard.
Myth: Fall Protection Is Too Expensive.
FACT: After tallying up the legal expenses, any medical expenses associated with a fall, and of course OSHA fines, the cost of installing your commercial fall protection system is far less expensive. See for yourself with OSHA’s Safety Pays Estimator.
