Stopping falls through prevention programs

Working at heights represents one of the most significant and often fatal risks in the modern workplace. Whether on a construction scaffold or performing routine maintenance on a commercial rooftop, the potential for a fall is a constant hazard. According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, making fall protection a non-negotiable priority for any safety-conscious organization.

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Regulatory Requirements and the Hierarchy of Controls

Federal safety regulations establish strict triggers for fall protection based on the industry and the nature of the work. It is critical for employers to recognize these specific height requirements:

• General Industry (29 CFR 1910.28): Protection is mandated at 4 feet above a lower level.
• Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926.501): Protection is required at 6 feet above a lower level.

A robust fall protection plan follows the Hierarchy of Controls, prioritizing the elimination of the hazard through guardrail systems or safety nets before relying on individual equipment. When these collective protections are not feasible, a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) becomes the essential safeguard. A complete PFAS consists of three critical components: a secure anchor point (capable of supporting 5,000 pounds), a full-body harness, and a connecting device (such as a shock-absorbing lanyard or self-retracting line).

Inspection and Prevention Resources

The integrity of your hardware is the difference between a "near miss" and a catastrophe. We provide a comprehensive suite of inspection tools to ensure your gear is always site-ready:

• Equipment Inspections: Dedicated checklists for Body Harness, Lanyards, Self Retracting Lines, and Hooks and Carabiners.
• Access Safety: Structured Scaffold Safety and Ladder Inspection checklists to secure your climbing surfaces.
• Dropped Object Prevention: A sample plan to mitigate the risk of falling tools striking workers below—a critical component of "Struck-By" hazard management.

Specialized Training for Competent Persons

A fall protection system is only as effective as the person overseeing it. To help you meet OSHA requirements, Pinnacol offers specialized training designed to develop "Competent Persons" who can identify hazards and select appropriate equipment:

Onsite Safety Training

• Fall protection training: 2,4, 8 hours

This refresher course reviews the skill sets of a competent person and informs participants of updated regulations and fall protection solutions. Participants expand their knowledge and ability to identify hazardous conditions, develop programs and make equipment selections to properly address fall hazards.

• Fall Protection EM 385: 2, 24 hours

This course is for employees designated as competent persons engaged in federal contract work. The course develops practical solutions to difficult fall protection challenges, leveraging appropriate tools and equipment. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate acknowledging they have met OSHA, EM 385 and ANSI Z359.2 requirements for competent person status.