Over one third of fatal hazards in construction are from falls. Buying or constructing a completed multi-story building typically involves receiving several fatal fall hazard "gifts" from the builder, e.g., roof edge falls if there is no parapet wall system; inaccessible overhead utilities access above drop ceilings; window cleaning means without engineered roof anchors; domed skylight failure after exposure to UV in sunlight which can shatter suddenly like eggshells; escalator-exposed belt hoisting of a rider's buttock at 18" per second rate of movement onto the top of the belt (handrail). It is time that these types of hazards be recognized, not left hidden from view, and then purposely eliminated with guards and reduced exposure.

Likewise, in personal fall arrest systems, harnesses have served a purpose; now it is time to consider a new approach, which will cut costs of anchorage points, recognize fall equipment hazards, reduce training costs and promote the work of the structural engineer before a hazard is allowed on the drawing boards or continued as an ongoing threat to human life. One example is remote window cleaning without the window cleaner.

Let's first agree that fall hazards are not going away when we use a full body harness. Fall protection methods often become slackened over time for a number of reasons. For example, harnesses and lanyards can be used and become worn; labeling can become illegible. Attachments can become compromised. OSHA's Interpretation of March 19, 2013, indicates OSHA will enforce 3600 lbs. for snaphook compressive gate strength in both Construction and General Industry. This is a change in strength, up from 220 lbs in a previous OSHA interpretation. Yet nose strength is still too low for the majority of manufacturers and may range from 400 lbs to 2600 lbs. It is hard for us to keep up with equipment and standards changes.

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