Fall Protection Plan

Policy 303.11

Introduction

In the construction and maintenance industry in the U.S., falls are the leading cause of worker fatalities. ASU recognizes that accidents involving falls are generally complex events frequently involving a variety of factors. Consequently the standard for fall protection deals with both the human and equipment-related issues in protecting workers from fall hazards. For example, the University and the employees need to do the following:

Where protection is required, select fall protection systems appropriate for given situations.

• Use proper construction, maintenance, and installation of safety systems.

• Supervise employees properly.

• Use safe work procedures.

• Train workers in the proper selection, use, and maintenance of all protection systems.

Scope

OSHA has revised its construction and maintenance industry safety standards (29 Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart M, Fall Protection, 1926.500, 1926.501, 1926.502, 1926.503 and general industry standard 1910 applicable to 1926 standard) and developed systems and procedures designed to prevent employees from falling off, onto, or through working levels and to protect employees from being struck by falling objects. The performance-oriented requirements make it easier for ASU to provide the necessary protection.

The rule covers most construction and maintenance workers except those inspecting, investigating, or assessing workplace conditions prior to the actual start of work or after all work has been completed.

The rule identifies areas or activities where fall protection is needed. These include, but are not limited to elevated walkways; leading edge work; unprotected sides and edges; elevated platforms; and related work; roofing work; and other elevated walking/working surfaces. The rule sets a uniform threshold height of 4 feet, thereby providing consistent protection. This means that construction and maintenance employers must protect their employees from fall hazards and falling objects whenever an affected employee is 4 feet or more above a lower level. Protection must also be provided for construction and maintenance workers who are exposed to the hazard of falling into dangerous equipment.

Under the new standard, supervisors will be able to select fall protection measures compatible with the type of work being performed. Fall protection generally can be provided through the use of personal fall arrest systems, positioning device systems, and warning line systems, among others.

The OSHA rule clarifies what an employer must do to provide fall protection for employees, such as identifying and evaluating fall hazards and providing specific training. Appalachian State University (ASU) is required to provide fall protection for workers on scaffolds, elevated platforms, and fixed ladders used for all construction and maintenance and repair of buildings and equipment as noted in general industry standard 1910.

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