Falls from scaffolding
Scaffolds are temporary frames used on construction sites to facilitate access to high places.
The heights of these platforms generally vary between 2 and 14 meters in height, which is why they represent a high risk due to the severity of the injuries that can be produced by falls from such distances.
Accidental falls from a scaffold generally occur due to a lack of side guardrails, improper design, poor assembly, or poorly tightened connections.
Injuries from falls from a scaffold include those resulting from a worker fall, but also those resulting from the impact of an object falling from the scaffold.
Among the most common are: head trauma, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, fractures and lacerations.
Falls from a ladder
In Washington state, a large number of workplace accidents occur each year from falls from a ladder, resulting in serious injuries to workers.
The most common causes are:
Ladder movement or improper positioning of the ladder
Negligence when using it (carrying objects when climbing, slipping on the steps)
Bad condition of the ladder
A worker can end up with a dislocated limb, fractures, head injuries and, in rare cases, the accident can be fatal.
Fall protection
According to the laws of the state of Washington, employers must create an Accident Prevention Program (APP), for which it is necessary to assess and identify their risks, as well as determine and apply solutions to reduce them.
In addition to the creation of this program, companies are obliged to provide work equipment and tools that comply with the established security measures, in a way that protects the physical integrity of their workers.
Specifically, the installation of guardrails, covers and handrails is required in those places that have been identified as areas of potential risk.
On the other hand, when necessary, the worker must be provided with tie-down / fall restraint systems, safety nets and other personal protective equipment suitable for this purpose.
It is important that, if an employer violates any of the established standards, the necessary actions are taken to correct the situation and eliminate / reduce the risks of falls.
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*Information obtained from: iwadvocates.com
