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 […]
In this installment of our blog series, we’re focusing on new OSHA regulations related to fall protection for fixed ladders. It’s important to note that the final rule phases out the use of cages and wells as fall protection devices on fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet. The regulation—specifically paragraph (b)(9)(i)—allows employers to […]
This post in our blog series on new OSHA fall protection regulation focuses on common questions related to fall protection anchorages. Most questions on this topic stem directly from the language below from 29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(i): “Before any rope descent system is used, the building owner must inform the employer, in writing, that the building […]
Many organizations have struggled to interpret some of the new requirements outlined in OSHA’s update to the General Industry Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Equipment Standards (29 CFR part 1910, Subparts D&I). In response to specific questions asked by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), OSHA has released correspondence that clarifies two key items […]
Following up on Volume 3 in our series, this installment answers additional questions related to the new requirement for conducting fall hazard assessments. When does the assessment need to be complete? Technically, the new regulation became rule in January 2017, so it is theoretically required now. If you don’t have documentation of a compliant assessment […]
This installment in our blog series on new OSHA fall protection regulations focuses on common questions related to fall hazard assessments. One of the most significant requirements provided in the new rule is the stated need for the assessment of fall hazards, as outlined in 1910.132(d). It’s important to note that this is an existing […]
There’s a really important reason that LJB focuses heavily on detailed equipment inspection in its fall protection training courses. Every piece of fall protection equipment has components that could be damaged and result in catastrophe. So, performing a thorough pre-use inspection can mean the difference between life and death. Consider this case: a worker at […]
When a worker on the rooftop of a skyscraper clips a safety harness onto the point that anchors him to the building, there’s a one-in-three chance the anchor itself is unsafe. This unsettling fact comes from an audit conducted by the Working at Heights Association (WAHA) in Australia, which recently sent a call to action […]
“It’s only as strong as its weakest link.” This phrase has been used to describe many things, from a team to a process. This is a short way of saying that it takes many parts to achieve success, and a weakness in one area can negate all the strengths in the other areas. I often […]
The Spot 
Reducing Fall Hazard Risk: Use Less Personal Protective Equipment
For this year’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, I’m sharing the top five ways to reduce fall hazard risk, based on more than a quarter century of fall protection consulting. You can check out the first way here and the second here. The third: Use Less Personal Protective Equipment. People are often […]