What Are Some Common Fall Hazards?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Holes. OSHA defines a hole as “a gap or void two inches (5.1 cm) or more in its least dimension, in a floor, roof, or other walking/working surface” . …
  • Skylights. …
  • Platforms. …
  • Sharp Edges. …
  • Debris.

What are the major types of fall hazards in construction?

OSHA’s records show the major types of fall hazards in a general construction setting are:

Unprotected roof edges, roof and floor openings, structural steel beams creating leading edges, etc.

What causes fall hazards?

Injuries from falls are the most common cause of construction site fatalities. Some of the main causes of construction site falls are

unprotected edges and openings, improper scaffolding construction or use and improper ladder use

.

Is a potential fall hazard?

A fall hazard is anything

at your worksite that could cause you to lose your balance or lose bodily support and result in a fall

. Any walking or working surface can be a potential fall hazard. Any time you are working at a height of four feet or more, you are at risk.

What are fall hazards?

A fall hazard is

anything in the workplace that could cause an unintended loss of balance or

.

bodily support and result in a fall

. Fall hazards cause accidents such as the following: Page 7. Fall Hazard Recognition, Prevention and Control.

What are examples of hazards?

physical – radiation, magnetic fields, pressure extremes (high pressure or vacuum), noise, etc., psychosocial – stress,

violence

, etc., safety – slipping/tripping hazards, inappropriate machine guarding, equipment malfunctions or breakdowns.

How can fall hazards be prevented?

  1. Clean up clutter. …
  2. Repair or remove tripping hazards. …
  3. Install grab bars and handrails. …
  4. Avoid wearing loose clothing. …
  5. Light it right. …
  6. Wear shoes. …
  7. Make it nonslip. …
  8. Live on one level.

What are the 4 high hazard areas?

What makes up OSHA’s focus four highest risk hazards are

falling, electrocution, getting hit by an object, and getting caught between objects.

What are the 6 types of hazards in the workplace?

  • 1) Safety hazards. Safety hazards can affect any employee but these are more likely to affect those who work with machinery or on a construction site. …
  • 2) Biological hazards. …
  • 3) Physical hazards. …
  • 4) Ergonomic hazards. …
  • 5) Chemical hazards. …
  • 6) Workload hazards.

What is a hazard in using scaffolding?

Building scaffolding for work projects can present numerous serious hazards to employees. According to OSHA, injuries related to scaffolds include

falls, tip-overs, being struck by falling equipment, and coming into contact with energized power lines

. … Plumb and level the scaffold as you go.

What is a hazard for you?

A hazard is

a source or a situation with the potential for harm

in terms of human injury or ill-health, damage to property, damage to the environment, or a combination of these.

What height is fall protection?

OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of

four feet in general industry workplaces

, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in longshoring operations.

What are the 4 methods of fall protection?

Categories of Fall Protection

All active fall protection for the construction industry falls into four basic categories:

fall arrest, positioning, suspension, and retrieval

. OSHA provides standards for each category of fall protection.

How do you evaluate fall hazards?

  1. Determine How Frequently Workers Will Do Tasks that Expose Them to Falls. …
  2. Determine If and How Workers Need to Move. …
  3. Determine the Degree of Exposure. …
  4. Determine Hazardous Walking-Working Surfaces.

Is ergonomic a hazard?

Ergonomic hazards are

physical factors in the environment that may cause musculoskeletal injuries

.

Which devices are used to break a fall from heights?

Examples of these systems are:

ladders

, scaffolds, elevating work platforms, vehicle-mounted aerial devices, suspended access equipment (swing stage), boatswain’s chairs and mast- climbing work platforms.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.