IPAF supports OSHA Falls From Height safety stand-down
Fatalities caused by falls from height continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 37% of construction fatalities recorded in 2016 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the US organizes an annual National Safety Stand-Down to raise fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to prevent fall fatalities and injuries.
IPAF supports OSHA’s annual safety stand-down as part of its mission to promote the safe and effective use of powered access equipment – Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) and Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWPs).
While occurrence is rare, falls from height and tip-overs are recognized potential hazards associated with MEWP operations, and are critical to address during risk assessments. Despite having a fully guard railed platform, fall and machine tip-overs can occur if required safety precautions aren’t addressed and followed.
IPAF has developed poster artwork and toolbox talk guidance that are available for free download from the www.IPAF.org website as part of IPAF’s Andy Access campaign promoting the safe use of MEWPs and MCWPs.
Contractors, end-users and rental companies are urged to download free poster artwork and tool box guidance for use in their daily operations and specifically for use during OSHA’s voluntary Safety Stand-Down May 7-11, 2018. The event provides employers the dedicated time to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on "Fall Hazards" and reinforcing the importance of "Fall Prevention".
“It is inevitable that we forget things and knowledge is perishable. We need to replenish and recharge our workers with simple reminders of the importance of simple safety guidance that can make a difference” states Tony Groat, IPAF’s North America manager.
“Andy Access campaign is a tool that provides targeted safety messages to keep and reinforce the importance of safe work practices in our everyday work.
“Take the time today to plan your week – taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards.”
All can access and download the Andy Access materials at www.ipaf.org/andy-access or contact your nearest IPAF office for assistance. IPAF supports safety and encourages all involved with work at height to participate in the OSHA safety Stand-down May 7-11.
Read more about the OSHA safety Stand-down at www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown or to download the free IPAF toolbox talks:
