The OSHA standard on scaffolding, general requirements, construction is one of the top 10 most frequently penalized OSHA standards for FY 2022.

The OSHA standard on fall protection, general requirements, construction is one of the top 10 most frequently penalized OSHA standards for FY 2022. 

The ANSI/ASSP Z459.1 standard, the first of its kind, establishes safety requirements for rope access systems. We spoke with Loui McCurley, chair of the ANSI/ASSP Z459.1 subcommittee, about rope access work, the Z459.1 standard and how it can help keep workers in these environments safe.

Fall protection equipment is an essential component of your safety, but you also need to know how to use the equipment properly. For this, you need appropriate training and an understanding of what is required to be compliant.

No fall protection equipment — regardless of how effective — can save an employee who is not properly trained in its use. Therefore, to maintain a safe and productive environment for workers at height, proper fall protection training is the first and most important step in your fall protection program. 

Working alone and working at heights for me began years ago as an instrument technician in a large steel mill in western Pennsylvania. We always tried to work in pairs but there were occasions when I had to work alone or apart from my buddy.