Fall Protection (Training Requirements)

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Essential Training Requirements for Fall Protection

Fall Protection Training RequirementsProviding proper training in the workplace is essential for keeping things running smoothly. While most types of training are necessary to ensure everyone is following standards and best practices, some of it is actually required by regulatory organizations like OSHA.

One important area where you need to make sure you are giving great training is with fall protection. There are quite a few essential training requirements for fall protection that you need to meet in order to remain in compliance with the regulatory bodies, as well as many state and local laws. This blog post will discuss some of these essential points, and help you to come up with a training program that will meet all requirements.

Ongoing Training

The first thing you have to keep in mind is that you can’t just provide your employees with training once and then drop it. Depending on the type of facility you are running, and what types of fall hazards exist, you should generally provide ‘refresher’ courses at least once per year. These course should be mandatory for anyone who works in an area where falling is a possibility.

Even those who don’t generally work in these areas can often benefit from this type of training, so you may want to offer it to them as well. Also, keep in mind that immediate training should be provided if there is a major change in the facility that can impact the risks associated with falling.

Fall Hazard Communication

Floor Marking for Hazard CommunicationIn most facilities there will be a number of different types of hazard communications in place to alert people to the risks of falling. Things like safety signs, floor markings or even hazard lights are often put up to notify people that they are approaching an area where there is a risk of falling.

While these are great, they aren’t enough. You need to go over the specifics of each of these types of communication with the employees during the training sessions to ensure they are effective.

Fall Protection Systems

When people are working high off the ground, they should typically be using some type of fall protection system. There are many different options to choose from, but whichever you choose, it is important to provide proper training on how these systems should be used.

If your facility uses more than one type of fall protection system, you must provide proper training on each one. Anyone who will be using these systems either directly or indirectly, must be given the required training.

Ground Safety

While fall protection is most important for the employees who work up at great heights or around areas where falling is a big hazard, you also need to provide certain training to people who work down on the ground. For example, people should know not to walk or work in areas directly under places where work is being performed above them. This can expose them to significant risk from falling items.

Those working on the ground also need to know how to avoid causing problems with any fall protection systems. These systems are often anchored on the ground, and if someone disengages them, for example, it can be disastrous.

Training Certification Requirements

OSHA requires employers that operate facilities where fall hazards exist to keep track of the training that is provided in this area. The employer must keep track of each employee, and when their training was completed. You also must document who the trainer was. This type of documentation should be kept on file at the facility or a nearby location.

Essential for Success

These fall protection training requirements are essential not only for keeping people safe while on the job, but also for ensuring the success of your company. Remaining in compliance with OSHA and other regulators will help you to avoid fines and downtime, as well as keeping people safe.

Additional Resources

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