improving the quality of life
The recent recalls of self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) by 3M and Honeywell have prompted some clients to ask, “Is the personal protective equipment industry struggling with quality issues?” While the back-to-back recalls are certainly disturbing, there is more to the story than a few PPE flaws. And, there is a lot more that you can do […]
To conclude this blog series, we want to provide a specific recommendation for how to not only comply with OSHA’s regulations, but also increase safety and manage risk for your organization. Simply put: You cannot comply with one line of the OSHA regulation and think your systems are safe. Consider this: When you prepare to […]
As explained in the previous blog posts in this series, the evaluation of rope descent anchorages can be incredibly complex—and potentially very damaging. However, that doesn’t change the fact that OSHA still requires building owners to provide the assurance that their anchorages are fit for use. When deciding how to move forward, it is critical […]
As mentioned in the previous blog post in this series, load testing without analysis is not a reliable way to determine anchorage strength. To avoid damage and unnecessary expense, anchorage strength should be predicted using analytical methods. When workmanship cannot be verified visually, such as with adhesive anchors, then nondestructive testing may be appropriate. But relying […]
Because of the new OSHA regulation language on rope descent anchorages, which we covered in our last blog post, many facility owners are heavily investing in designing, installing, inspecting and testing anchorages. Too often, though, the resources spent do nothing more than provide a false sense of security—or worse, cause more harm than good. It is […]
When an organization takes ownership of a building, they also take on the responsibility for protecting workers who will inspect and maintain the facility. Many building owners hope to transfer that liability to the contractors they hire, but it cannot be fully avoided. In some cases, OSHA specifically places responsibility on the building owner. Rope […]
In this installment of our blog series, we continue to focus on more details that changed with the new OSHA regulations – specifically design changes that affect stairs. OSHA 1910.29 says that for any stairs installed after January 17, 2017, a handrail that measures 30-38 inches is required, as well as a 42-inch stair rail. […]
In this installment of our blog series, let’s focus on more specific details – design changes that affect guardrail. If you’re wondering about how guardrail is affected, there are several new developments in the updated rule. First, guardrail height is officially required at 42 inches (+/- 3), which is now aligned with construction industry regulations. […]
While our previous post in this series focused on the new requirement for ladder safety systems, this post discusses some additional requirements that affect ladder use and design. Here are a few of the most common questions we have received about ladders. Are chains acceptable to protect ladder openings? I often see chains at the […]
The Spot 
Reducing Fall Hazard Risk: Apply Prevention through Design
Fall protection is a complex and challenging safety issue. When addressed well, workers at height—who perform the tasks that keep our businesses and communities running—are able to go home safely each day. Over my more than 25 years of providing fall protection consulting to folks around the world, including performing fall hazard risk assessments and […]