Manufacturing safety alert fall from height: Could this happen to you?

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT
A worker was cleaning the band mill area with compressed air. They were wearing a fall protection harness that was properly tied off with a Self-Retracting Lanyard (SRL). The worker was wearing a hard hat that fell off onto the conveyor below. They untied from the SRL and climbed down approximately 8ft into the conveyor to retrieve their hard hat. While attempting to climb back out, the worker slipped and fell approximately 6ft into the conveyor injuring the left side of their body on the steel structure. No serious injuries were sustained.

3 SUGGESTED ACTIONS

• Use a hard hat with straps when working at heights.
• Review BC OHSR 8.11 (4): Chin straps or other effective means of retention must be used on safety headgear when workers are climbing or working from a height exceeding 3 m (10 ft) or are exposed to high winds or other conditions that may cause loss of the headgear.
• Provide employees working at heights with additional education and Safe Work Procedure (SWP) training relating to working at heights and appropriate safety controls.

Falls from elevation have resulted in up to 6% of all work-related deaths and up to 54 % of work-related injuries annually. Proper planning, supervision, training, and use of a fall protection plan can reduce or eliminate this risk on your worksite.

Most worksites have the potential for a fall from a ladder, scaffold or vehicle. Falls are usually the result of a combination of a combination of hazards. Recognize the risk:
• Working at heights without proper fall protection
• Not following safe work procedures
• Slippery or uneven surfaces
• Overexertion

Provided by BC Forest Safety, click here to view the full document.