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Hey Luke,

I hear you’re the fall protection expert who’s in the know. Here’s my question for you:
Can I install the anchor points over my roof shingles?

Sincerely,
Ted

This is a common question I get asked all the time and here’s  the answer in a nutshell:

You must secure the anchor directly to the surface of what it is approved for.

Now here’s the reason why:  It all goes back to when manufacturers test the anchors. Manufacturers do their pull out tests on what they approve it for. For example, if they approve their anchor for 3/4″ plywood. What they’re going to do is attach the anchor directly to the Plywood and do the testing and see if it holds up. (I am just simplifying what actually goes on) They approve it.  So now, if you take and put a shingle in between the anchor and the plywood you are changing the parameters and creating a totally different test because the shingle creates a gap that can change the results. Therefore it is not approved to do this in the field.

Why don’t they test it with shingles and see if it holds up? Great questions - it’s because there are so many different roofing materials out there that would make it near impossible to test for everyone. And there is a huge liability by allowing the workers to install these in the field this way - too many different variables means too many risks in these situations.

Technorati Tags: anchor points, fall protection, fall safety advice

Posted in Fall Protection Articles, Safety Articles by Luke Allsage. Luke Allsage is our resident fall protection expert, he knows what you need, where to put it, and how much it can hold. In the rare cases he doesn't know something, he knows where to find it.

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In early February, Terry Thompson, 51, was killed from a 100 ft fall as he worked on dismantling a cell phone tower. He had almost 30 years experience. OSHA and local officials are still investigating.

The same day in Florida, construction worker Daniel Caldwell, 40, died after a 25 ft fall off a roof.

Two weeks ago construction worker David Pink, 25, was injured in a 60 ft construction fall. Pink was taking plywood off the top floor of a building when the wind caught him and he went off the edge head first.

Most recent sources say that Pink’s 30 ft retractable did not engage and when he hit the end of the retractable he flipped and the cable snapped. After the cable snapped he continued to fall another 30 ft, shattering his hip and the side of his face. What saved his life was that he was working across the street from a hospital and the ambulance, as well as a doctor, arrived in minutes. He was able to get to the UW Trauma center immediately.

Most retractables need to be re-certified every 2 years and it was believed this retractable was closer to 3 years. OSHA is investigating this accident.

Most people don’t get do overs. Stay safe! 100% tie-off, check your equipment, keep up to date, train your workers properly! DO what you need to do for everyone to stay safe and alive.

Technorati Tags: fall protection, workplace accidents, workplace safety

Posted in Fall Protection News, Safety Articles by Sassy Safety Glasses Queen. The Sassy Safety Glasses Queen is our resident safety glasses expert. She specializes in the news, trends, and fashions of the Safety Glasses industry while dabbling in the world of fall protection.

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This week I was researching recent (this month) deaths and injuries that occurred because of falls. These falls ranged from 25- 100 ft with both inexperienced and experienced workers. OSHA posted the following release this month and I thought I would post a portion of it:

—
WASHINGTON, Pa. - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined the C.A. Franc construction company $539,000 following the investigation of a roofing worker who fell 40 feet to his death at a Washington worksite. The Valencia, Pa.-based roof installer - whose owner is Christopher A. Franc - was cited for 10 per instance willful citations for failing to protect workers from falls.

“Mr. Franc knowingly and willfully failed to protect his workers from falling to their death,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. “We will not tolerate this type of blatant and egregious disregard for the health and safety of workers.”

OSHA began its investigation immediately following the worker’s death on Aug. 15, 2009, and found the C.A. Franc company had failed to provide any fall protection to its employees working on a pitched roof 40 feet off the ground. In addition, Mr. Franc failed to train a newly hired college student in hazards and the necessary safety measures for roofing work. As a result of the investigation, the company has been cited for 10 alleged per-instance willful violations, one for each employee working unprotected on the roof, with a proposed penalty of $490,000, and one additional alleged willful violation for failing to train the new employee, with a penalty of $49,000.

General contractor Hospitality Builders Inc. also has been cited with one willful violation and a proposed penalty of $70,000 for failing to ensure that C.A. Franc workers had fall protection.

“This fall fatality was one of five that occurred during a 15-day span in the Pittsburgh area,” said John M. Hermanson, OSHA’s regional administrator in Philadelphia, Pa. “Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Failure to provide employees with fall protection is unconscionable. We urge construction companies to take the necessary action to ensure their workers are protected.”

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=

Technorati Tags: osha fines, osha violations

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Wearing his harness. Safe - right?

Hmmmm, lets see where the anchor point is....

I have been going through photos people have sent in to me or great photos that photographers have allowed me to share on this site. I am re-posting my favorites over the next couple months.

The ones I am sharing today are from Kevin (an Aussie transplant working in China) who took these photos of the ac repair men. Notice from the first photo how high up they are and then check out the other photo. Notice any problems?

Secure anchor points are the most critical component when using fall arrest equipment.

Technorati Tags: fall harness equipment, workplace safety

Posted in Fall Protection Articles by Sassy Safety Glasses Queen. The Sassy Safety Glasses Queen is our resident safety glasses expert. She specializes in the news, trends, and fashions of the Safety Glasses industry while dabbling in the world of fall protection.

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In August of 2009 a masonry worker for a Pennsylvania construction company died after falling 13 feet from the roof of the building he was working on.  A fellow co-worker said they were pulling cables to the roof and they weren’t wearing a fall harness because they, “were only working on the roof of the Romanesque building.”

Today OSHA has proposed $70,000 in fines (for one willful violation), citing a failure to protect workers from falls. The company was also cited for the same violation in 2007 but failed to remedy the situation. OSHA defines a willful violation as, “one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.” and gives the company, “15 days to comply, request a conference with OSHA officials, or contest the ruling and fine.”

Detailed information about fall hazards and safeguards is available on OSHA’s Web site at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/construction.html.

Technorati Tags: fall protection harnesses, workplace accidents, workplace safety

Posted in Fall Protection Articles, Fall Protection News, Safety Articles by Sassy Safety Glasses Queen. The Sassy Safety Glasses Queen is our resident safety glasses expert. She specializes in the news, trends, and fashions of the Safety Glasses industry while dabbling in the world of fall protection.

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Photo by NIOSH

One workplace safety hazard I never considered until recently was the weather, specifically cold weather. I live in frick’n cold Wisconsin. A good friend (who lives in frick’n cold Minnesota) shared about his new job where he works outside installing satellite dishes. I asked if work was ever canceled because of the weather conditions - he said never. I found that concerning. Working on a slippery roof, below freezing weather, and installing stuff… sounds like a recipe for disaster.

I asked around one of the safety groups I belong to and one of the NIOSH guys sent me a great link that discussed the dangers of cold weather:  http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/coldstress/

If you read through the whole article there are recommendations for employers and workers. I am sorry to say that my friend’s employer does very little to protect the workers. Seems like it takes an injury or death for something to change.

“Employers should take the following steps to protect workers from cold stress:

• Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in cold areas for warmer months.
• Schedule cold jobs for the warmer part of the day.
• Reduce the physical demands of workers.
• Use relief workers or assign extra workers for long, demanding jobs.
• Provide warm liquids to workers.
• Provide warm areas for use during break periods.
• Monitor workers who are at risk of cold stress.

Provide cold stress training that includes information about:

• Worker risk
• Prevention
• Symptoms
• The importance of monitoring yourself and coworkers for symptoms
• Treatment
• Personal protective equipment”

Stay warm and stay safe.

Technorati Tags: cold weather work, workplace safety

Posted in Safety Articles by Sassy Safety Glasses Queen. The Sassy Safety Glasses Queen is our resident safety glasses expert. She specializes in the news, trends, and fashions of the Safety Glasses industry while dabbling in the world of fall protection.

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The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) released data earlier this month showing that mine fatalities last year fell to an all time low.

I think it is interesting to note that December 30th, 1969 was when the Coal Act was signed. Below is an excerpt from MSHA’s Assistant Secretary, Joe Main.

“…I want to note a very important anniversary in mine safety and health. This year we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, known as the Coal Act. Signed on December 30, 1969, this law represents a watershed moment in the improvement of occupational health and safety in the United States. It was the precursor to the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, which created MSHA, and it was the basis of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) of 1970. The Coal Act forever transformed occupational safety and health in the United States.”

Laws can make a difference. You can make a difference.

Technorati Tags: coal miner's safety, workplace safety

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Dear Luke,
I’m using a harness that I’ve had stored in the barn for the past decade. It was used infrequently but wasn’t stored super great. When is it time to replace a harness? What’s its shelf life?
Wondering

This question is often asked. I’ve seen harness that needed to be disposed after one year and others that are in great condition after a decade. Here’s what you need to know:

Most fall protection companies use the ANSI standard and the five year life as a guideline. This is only a guideline. You must inspect your harness and follow the maintenance guidelines that go with the harness. Do you see damage? Has it been left out in the elements? Has it been exposed to chemicals or intense heat? How it’s taken care of may shorten it’s life. Good care and maintenance may extend it (store at room temperature away from chemicals, moisture, and ultra-violet light). Your harness and lanyards should have instructions for their use, inspection and cleaning. Check it out.

Fall protection companies require that, “all fall protection products to be visually inspected prior to use and regularly inspected by a ‘Competent Person’, such as defined by OSHA or CSA.”

Technorati Tags: fall harness, fall protection question

Posted in Fall Protection Articles, Safety Articles by Luke Allsage. Luke Allsage is our resident fall protection expert, he knows what you need, where to put it, and how much it can hold. In the rare cases he doesn't know something, he knows where to find it.

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Choosing lead-free traction tapes:

Think about what goes into our landfills. At the end of a product’s life cycle it’s going to end up in the garbage and then a landfill. Lead-free products won’t contaminate a landfill which is a win-win for green-conscious businesses and individuals. Choosing products, like True Grip Traction tapes, that are Lead Free and RoHS Compliant is a great idea. To be considered RoHS Compliant, products must follow the regulations of RoHS which looks at equipment/products containing lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB, & PBDE flame retardants.

Technorati Tags: safety tapes, safety tips

Posted in Safety Articles by Sassy Safety Glasses Queen. The Sassy Safety Glasses Queen is our resident safety glasses expert. She specializes in the news, trends, and fashions of the Safety Glasses industry while dabbling in the world of fall protection.

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It’s that time of year where we make resolutions & choose to make better decisions.

One change we are making here at Safety Briefs is taking more mailbag questions for Luke, one of our fall protection experts. Feel free to email us your safety questions. If we don’t know the answers, we can find someone who does!

Those of us from Safety Briefs wish you a Safe and Healthy 2010!

Technorati Tags: fall protection advice, workplace safety

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