Industrial Athlete Program | Trivent Safety Consulting

Build a Safer, Stronger Workforce with an Industrial Athlete Program

Construction employees are expected to lift, carry, climb, push, pull, bend, reach, and perform repetitive tasks throughout the workday. They often complete this work outdoors, in changing weather conditions, on demanding schedules, and around constantly evolving jobsite hazards.
Those physical and mental demands are comparable to the demands placed on competitive athletes. Professional athletes do not simply arrive on game day and hope their bodies are prepared. They train, stretch, fuel themselves properly, study proper movement, recover, and develop the mental discipline needed to perform safely under pressure.

Construction employees deserve the same level of preparation.

Trivent Safety Consulting’s Industrial Athlete Program helps employees understand how their physical condition, nutrition, work techniques, decisions, and mental well-being affect both safety and productivity. The program is built around four essential modules:
1. Fitness and musculoskeletal disorder prevention
2. Nutrition for workplace performance
3. Ergonomics and proper body mechanics
4. Behavioral-based safety and mental well-being
Together, these modules help create employees who are better prepared to meet the demands of their work.  As well as reducing their exposure to preventable injuries.

What Is an Industrial Athlete?

An industrial athlete is an employee whose job requires physical strength, mobility, endurance, coordination, concentration, and recovery.
This description applies to employees in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, utilities, maintenance, transportation, and many other physically demanding industries.
Like traditional athletes, industrial athletes are affected by fatigue, dehydration, poor nutrition, limited mobility, improper technique, stress, lack of sleep, and inadequate recovery. The difference is that workplace employees may be exposed to these conditions for eight, ten, or even twelve hours at a time.
An effective Industrial Athlete Program teaches employees to treat their bodies as one of their most important tools.
The goal is not to turn every employee into a competitive athlete. The goal is to help employees move better, work smarter, recognize personal risk factors, and remain productive throughout their careers.

Module 1: Fitness, Stretching, and MSD Prevention

The fitness module focuses on preparing the body for the physical demands of the job.
Musculoskeletal disorders, commonly called MSDs, affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, and other soft tissues. They may develop suddenly from a single event or gradually through repetitive motion, forceful exertion, awkward posture,  and insufficient recovery.
Common workplace MSDs include:
• Strains and sprains
• Lower-back injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Tendinitis
• Joint pain
• Repetitive-motion injuries
• Muscle fatigue and overexertion

Stretching alone cannot eliminate every musculoskeletal injury. However, a properly designed warm-up and mobility routine can be an important part of a broader injury-prevention strategy.

The Industrial Athlete fitness module teaches employees how to prepare their bodies before beginning physically demanding work. This includes movements intended to improve mobility, increase circulation, activate major muscle groups, and identify areas of discomfort before work begins.
The module also addresses:
• Proper warm-up techniques
• Job-specific mobility
• Core stability
• Balance and coordination
• Safe lifting preparation
• Fatigue recognition
• Recovery between demanding tasks
• The importance of reporting discomfort early

Employees should understand the difference between normal muscle fatigue and a developing injury. Early reporting allows supervisors and safety professionals to evaluate the task before minor discomfort becomes a recordable injury or long-term condition.
A workforce that is physically prepared is more likely to maintain proper technique as the day progresses. Above all, this can contribute to fewer strains, better movement, improved productivity, and longer, healthier careers.

Module 2: Nutrition—Eating for Production

Food is fuel, and the quality of that fuel affects workplace performance.
Employees working in physically demanding environments require adequate energy, hydration, and nutrients. Skipping breakfast, relying on energy drinks, eating heavy fast-food meals, or failing to drink enough water can affect concentration, endurance, reaction time, and decision-making.
The nutrition module is not a diet program. It is practical education about eating and drinking in a way that supports safe, consistent performance.
Employees learn how nutrition can affect:
• Energy levels
• Mental focus
• Muscle function
• Hydration
• Heat tolerance
• Recovery
• Mood
• Alertness
• Productivity

Starting the Day Properly

Employees who begin the day without eating may experience reduced energy and concentration later in the morning. A balanced meal containing protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats can provide more consistent energy than highly processed foods or sugary drinks.

Choosing Productive Meals

Large, heavy lunches may cause employees to feel sluggish during the afternoon. The program encourages meals that provide sufficient energy without creating a significant post-lunch decline in alertness.
Practical options may include lean protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other foods that support sustained performance.

Staying Hydrated

Hydration is essential in every season, not only during extreme heat. Employees can lose fluids through physical activity even when temperatures are moderate or cold.
Waiting until an employee feels extremely thirsty may mean that dehydration has already begun. The nutrition module teaches employees to hydrate consistently and recognize potential warning signs such as headache, dizziness, unusual fatigue, muscle cramps, and reduced concentration.
The central message is simple: eat and drink to support the work you are asking your body and mind to perform.

Module 3: Ergonomics and Proper Body Mechanics

Ergonomics is the process of fitting the work to the employee rather than forcing the employee’s body to adapt to poorly designed tasks.
On a construction site, perfect ergonomic conditions are not always possible. Materials still need to be moved, tools must be operated, and employees may need to work in difficult positions. However, small adjustments can significantly reduce unnecessary physical stress.
The ergonomics module helps employees recognize common risk factors, including:
• Repetitive movement
• Awkward postures
• Excessive force
• Working above shoulder height
• Bending and twisting
• Extended reaching
• Poor lifting technique
• Prolonged kneeling or squatting
• Hand-arm vibration
• Improper tool selection
• Poorly positioned work materials
Employees learn to pause before beginning a task and consider whether the work can be repositioned, divided into smaller loads, completed with mechanical assistance, or performed using a different tool.

Better Lifting and Material Handling

Safe lifting involves more than telling employees to “lift with their legs.” Employees must consider the weight, size, shape, stability, and destination of the load before attempting to move it.
Above all, the program reinforces the importance of:
• Evaluating the load before lifting
• Keeping the load close to the body
• Avoiding twisting while carrying
• Maintaining stable footing
• Using carts, dollies, hoists, or other mechanical aids
• Requesting team assistance
• Planning the travel path
• Staging materials at appropriate heights

Positioning the Work

When possible, work should be positioned between approximately knee and shoulder height. Materials and tools should also be placed within a comfortable reaching distance.
Changing positions, rotating demanding tasks, and taking brief recovery opportunities can help reduce the cumulative effects of repetitive work.
Good ergonomics does not mean slowing down production. In many cases, an ergonomically efficient task is also a more productive task because it reduces wasted movement, fatigue, rework, and injury-related disruptions.

Module 4: Behavioral-Based Safety and Mental Well-Being

The final module focuses on the decisions employees make before and during their work.
Policies, procedures, personal protective equipment, and training are essential, but employees must still choose to apply them. Behavioral-based safety helps employees recognize how habits, attitudes, distractions, and workplace pressures influence their actions.
The program encourages employees to ask:
• Am I physically and mentally ready to perform this task?
• Do I understand the hazards?
• Am I taking a shortcut?
• Has the task changed?
• Am I distracted, fatigued, frustrated, or rushed?
• Do I have the right tools and equipment?
• Should I stop and ask for assistance?

Keeping Yourself Safe

Employees are taught to take personal ownership of safety without shifting the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace.
Personal ownership means remaining aware, above all following established procedures, speaking up when conditions change, and avoiding shortcuts that create unnecessary exposure.
It also means watching out for coworkers. For example, employees should be comfortable intervening when they observe an unsafe act or condition and receptive when someone raises a concern about their own work.

Mental Health and Workplace Safety

Mental well-being directly affects concentration, communication, judgment, and risk perception.
An employee dealing with significant stress, anxiety, fatigue, personal difficulties, or emotional distress may have trouble maintaining focus. In a high-hazard environment, even a brief lapse in concentration can have serious consequences.
The Industrial Athlete Program helps normalize conversations about mental readiness. Employees are encouraged to recognize when they are not fully focused and to seek help before the situation affects their safety or the safety of others.
This does not require supervisors to become mental-health professionals. It requires organizations to create an environment in which employees can raise concerns, access available resources, and ask for assistance without unnecessary stigma.

Benefits of an Industrial Athlete Program

A well-implemented Industrial Athlete Program can support several organizational goals.

Reduced Injury Exposure

Improved movement, ergonomic awareness, early discomfort reporting, and better task planning can reduce exposure to common strain, sprain, and overexertion hazards.

Improved Productivity

Employees who are hydrated, properly fueled, physically prepared, and mentally focused are better positioned to maintain consistent performance throughout the workday.

Stronger Employee Engagement

The program demonstrates that the organization values employees as people—not simply as labor. This can strengthen trust, morale, participation, and retention.

Earlier Reporting of Discomfort

Employees who understand how minor discomfort can develop into a more serious injury may be more likely to report symptoms early. Early intervention provides an opportunity to modify the task, evaluate work practices, and prevent further aggravation.

Better Safety Culture

The Industrial Athlete concept connects personal wellness with jobsite safety. Employees begin to understand that sleep, hydration, nutrition, physical preparation, ergonomics, stress, and daily decisions are all part of working safely.

Longer, Healthier Careers

Construction experience is valuable. Helping skilled employees protect their bodies supports career longevity and allows organizations to retain knowledge that can take years to develop.

How to Implement an Industrial Athlete Program

The greatest value comes when its principles are incorporated into daily operations.
Organizations can reinforce the program through:
• Daily warm-up and mobility routines
• Toolbox talks
• Pre-task planning
• Ergonomic task evaluations
• Hydration and heat-illness prevention programs
• Supervisor coaching
• Early discomfort-reporting procedures
• Employee wellness resources
• Periodic refresher training
• Leadership participation
Management support is critical. For example, supervisors should participate in the program, as it reinforce its principles, and avoid production expectations that encourage employees to ignore fatigue, discomfort, or changing conditions.
In addition, the program should also complement – not replace – hazard assessments, engineering controls, equipment selection, training, medical management, and other required safety measures.

Invest in the People Performing the Work

Your employees are your organization’s most valuable resource. They bring skill, experience, judgment, and productivity to every project.
Treating employees like industrial athletes means preparing them for the work, giving them tools to protect themselves, and recognizing that physical and mental readiness are essential components of workplace safety.
Trivent Safety Consulting’s Industrial Athlete Program combines fitness, nutrition, ergonomics, behavioral-based safety, and mental-health awareness into practical training that employees can apply on and off the job.
A stronger workforce is not created by accident. It is developed through preparation, education, leadership, and consistent action.

Consider implementing the Industrial Athlete Program

Help your employees move better, work safer, and remain productive throughout their careers.
Contact Trivent Safety Consulting to learn how our Industrial Athlete Program can be incorporated into your company’s training, strategy.
Visit: www.triventsc.com
Call: (800) 819-6092

The Importance of Regular Site Safety Inspections in Preventing Accidents

From construction sites to manufacturing plants, ensuring workplace safety is crucial for preventing accidents and protecting employees. One of the most effective ways to maintain a safe working environment is through regular site safety inspections. Not only do these inspections identify potential hazards before they cause harm, but they also help companies comply with regulations and avoid costly fines. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the importance of regular site safety inspections and how they can prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. So, grab your hard hat and let’s get started!

What is a Site Safety Inspection?

A site safety inspection is a formalized process in which a trained individual or team audits a construction site for hazards. The purpose of a site safety inspection is to identify potential safety and health hazards, and to recommend corrective actions to improve safety and health conditions at the worksite.

To be effective, site safety inspections must be conducted regularly, and should be documented in a written report. Site safety inspectors should have knowledge of OSHA standards relevant to the construction industry, as well as experience in conducting Safety audits.

Why are Site Safety Inspections Important?

As construction site safety becomes an increasingly important topic of discussion, more and more emphasis is being placed on the importance of regular safety inspections. Construction site safety inspections are critical to preventing accidents because they help identify potential hazards before they become a problem.

Inspections also help ensure that all workers on a construction site are following safety protocols and procedures. By identifying potential hazards and ensuring that all workers are following safety procedures, construction site safety inspection can play a vital role in preventing accidents.

Who Performs Site Safety Inspections?

There are a variety of professionals who can perform site safety inspections, depending on the type of business and the work being done. For example, construction sites will typically have competent persons who check for hazards and compliance with safety regulations. Manufacturing plants should also have a dedicated competent person on staff.

In many cases, it is the responsibility of the site superintendent or foreman to ensure that regular safety inspections are conducted and that any hazards are addressed in a timely manner. However, it may be a good idea to hire an external professional to conduct periodic inspections, as they will be able to provide an unbiased assessment of the workplace.

What are the Benefits of Regular Site Safety Inspections?

Regular site safety inspections are critical for preventing accidents on construction sites. By identifying potential hazards and addressing them before they become a problem, inspectors can help keep workers safe and prevent costly accidents.

Some of the benefits of regular safety inspections include:

  1. Reduced risk of accidents: By identifying potential hazards before they become a problem, inspectors can help reduce the risk of accidents on construction sites.
  2. Improved worker safety: By addressing potential hazards before they become a problem, inspectors can help improve worker safety on construction sites.
  3. Reduced costs: By preventing accidents, regular safety inspections can help reduce the costs associated with construction site accidents.

How often Should Site Safety Inspections be Done?

It is important to have regular site safety inspections to help prevent accidents. But how often should these inspections be done?

There is no one answer to this question as it will depend on the specific site and its hazards. However, most experts agree that inspections should be done at least once a week.

Some factors that will affect how often inspections should be done include:

  • The type of work being done on the site
  • The number of workers on the site
  • The size of the site
  • The hazards present on the site

What Happens if a Violation is Found During a Site Safety Inspection?

If a violation is found during a site safety inspection, the inspector will work with the site manager to develop a corrective action plan. This plan will outline the steps that need to be taken to correct the violation and prevent future accidents. The site manager will be responsible for implementing the corrective action plan and ensuring that all employees are trained in the new procedures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regular site safety inspections are essential for the prevention of accidents and ensuring a safe work environment. Regular inspections can identify potential hazards before they become an issue, allowing employers to address any risks quickly. By prioritizing workplace safety, employers can not only guarantee their staff’s well-being but also ensure business continuity and protect their organization from costly liabilities.

 

Fireworks! Stay safe this holiday season.

If you’re like me, you love this time of the year.  The weather is warmer, friends and family get to enjoy the outdoors.  On most evenings in my neighborhood you can smell the happiness from the grills.  Some nights it’s hamburgers and hotdogs, others it’s steak.  This is the time of year when children have no worries, just fun times with their friends and no fear of school tomorrow.  It’s also the time of year when we begin to hear the inevitable bang and pop coming from some distant house.  We know what that noise is, the pre 4th of July firework shows.

As a kid I remember me and my friends enjoying bottle rockets, black cats, and the random M80.  We were out at all hours; I’m sure making sleep difficult for all my poor neighbors.  Looking back on it, I realize how lucky we were.  In all my years of messing with fireworks, not one of my friends was ever injured.  Not a minor injury, and thankfully not a major injury.  Unfortunately, we did set a few fires, destroying a bush here and there.  I consider myself very lucky that there was not any major “incident” that follows me today.  For others though, they aren’t so lucky.

According to national reports, in 2017 alone there were 8 fatalities and almost 13,000 injuries that required medical attention due to fireworks.  The 4th of July is a special for us in America, most of us will spend the evening staring at the skies, enjoying the shows put on by our local communities.  But the 4th is not the only night for fireworks, 67% of the injuries occurred from June 16th, 2017 – July 16th, 2017.  We usually start having a significant increase in nightly fireworks a couple of weeks prior to the actual holiday and this is the problem.

The shows on the 4th of July are professional and are accompanied by fireman.  The shows that are put on in the neighborhoods are usually not.  Additionally, depending on the laws where you are, the fireworks are probably illegal.  Colorado, where I’m from, does not allow the use of any firework that explode or are intended to leave the ground.  I love firework shows, I love the 4th of July, and I enjoy having fun with my friends and family.  But when it comes to fireworks, I recommend leaving it to the professionals.  But if you are going to use fireworks, here are some recommended safety tips:

  • Check your local laws to see what you can and cannot legally use
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol if you’re going to set off fireworks.
  • Wear safety glasses
  • If you’re going to allow children to use fireworks, it should only be done under close adult supervision.
  • Do not light them near house, people, or other things that could possibly ignite.
  • Never light them indoors.
  • Stay away from “duds”. Do not pick up or handle fireworks that don’t explode.
  • Keep a hose, extinguisher, or bucket of water close by in case of an accidental fire.

I know some people will be setting off fireworks this year that shouldn’t be.  I personally recommend that you sit back and enjoy the show put on by your local community.  If you still want to use fireworks and you’re going to have your own show for the neighborhood, then please do it safely.

Fall Protection by the Numbers

Numbers Are An Important Part Of Fall Protection

Have you ever sat through a fall protection class or looked at the standard regulating your industry?  There are a lot of numbers and other information thrown at you.  To begin, you need to understand where you work and what you do.  This will help you determine what OSHA source material you’ll need to review.  It will be either 1910 Subpart D for general industry or 1926 Subpart M under the construction standard.  Depending on the specific task you’re engaged in, there could be other areas you may need to visit.  Are you working on scaffolding in the construction industry, then Subpart L?  Maybe a question about steel erection, then Subpart R has some information you could reference.  Regardless, numbers are an important part of fall protection.  We’re going to focus on the construction industry and the standards that regulate it.

Let’s start with one of the most important number to remember in the construction industry, 6 feet.  This number is important specifically because OSHA has designated this as the height an employee on a walking working surface 6’ above the lower level needs to be protected from falling.  Additionally, the maximum allowable freefall distance in most instances is also 6’.  Protecting your workers can be achieved with several options, the most popular of which are the use of a guard rail system, or personal fall arrest system.  Ensure you and your employees are familiar with 6’ and have a plan in place to protect workers at or above this level.

When determining the protective measures, you’re going to use, guardrails are a common and easy choice.  If you’re going to use a guard rail system, it must meet several requirements, again more numbers to remember.  The top rail must be located at 42” +/- 3”.  It must support 200# of an outward downward force.  The mid rail must be located directly between the top rail and the walking working surface, typically this is 21” and support 150# of an outward downward force.  If you install a toe board, it must be no higher than 1/4” above the walking surface and support 50# of force applied against it.  Ensure that your workforce understands the height requirements and the limitations of the system.  Although common on most jobsites, remember, they only need to support 200#’s at the most.  That number is not very big when you think about an employee potentially falling into or against an installed guard rail on your project.

Another method to protect employees is the use of a restraint or personal fall arrest system (PFAS).  This method, when used correctly, should ensure that your employees are never exposed to a fall or protected in the event of an actual fall.  With the use of these protective methods, there are all sorts of numbers that we need to ensure our work force understands.  Teaching the employee’s, the ABC’s of fall protection is an easy way to help them remember.

Fall Protection safety training

The A stands for anchor.  In any system, you need to ensure what you are anchoring to, will support you.  With this, the OSHA requirements call for one of the following numbers.  1000, 3000, or 5000.  These are the minimum anchorage connector breaking strength (per ANSI) depending on your fall protection application.  1000# for restraint, 3000# for work positioning, and 5000# for fall arrest. You can also use an anchor that is designed, installed and used as part of a complete PFAS which maintains a safety factor of at least two, under the supervision of a qualified person.

B is for body support, typically a full body harness.  Inspect your harness, you’ll find some more numbers.  310# and 420#.  Depending on your equipment, this will be the maximum permitted worker weight able to use this equipment.  This difference is typically dependent upon the next part of your ABC’s.

The C is the connector you use.  This is the lanyard, retractable, or restraint system you are using to keep you from falling or hitting a lower level.  It’s what connects your body support to the anchor.  Manufacturers have a wide variety of connecting equipment to use, most are rated at 900#.  This is the maximum average arrest force permitted under normal conditions, although OSHA and ANSI both permit the number to be 1800#.  Additionally, the connector will have a deceleration distance.  That number is 3.5 feet, although ANSI allows for 4’.  These numbers are important because they will help determine an appropriate anchor height.  You don’t want to go to low and end up hitting something below you.

A complete fall protection program should look at all of these different numbers and consider them when putting together a plan to protect your workers.  If you need help understanding the fall protection numbers and standards or want someone to help develop a plan for you, give Trivent Safety Consulting a call (800) 819-6092.  We would love to help you set up a plan that works for you and your team.

Fireworks! Stay safe this holiday season.

If you’re like me, you love this time of the year.  The weather is warmer, friends and family get to enjoy the outdoors.  On most evenings in my neighborhood you can smell the happiness from the grills.  Some nights it’s hamburgers and hotdogs, others it’s steak.  This is the time of year when children have no worries, just fun times with their friends and no fear of school tomorrow.  It’s also the time of year when we begin to hear the inevitable bang and pop coming from some distant house.  We know what that noise is, the pre 4th of July firework shows.

As a kid I remember me and my friends enjoying bottle rockets, black cats, and the random M80.  We were out at all hours; I’m sure making sleep difficult for all my poor neighbors.  Looking back on it, I realize how lucky we were.  In all my years of messing with fireworks, not one of my friends was ever injured.  Not a minor injury, and thankfully not a major injury.  Unfortunately, we did set a few fires, destroying a bush here and there.  I consider myself very lucky that there was not any major “incident” that follows me today.  For others though, they aren’t so lucky.

According to national reports, in 2017 alone there were 8 fatalities and almost 13,000 injuries that required medical attention due to fireworks.  The 4th of July is a special for us in America, most of us will spend the evening staring at the skies, enjoying the shows put on by our local communities.  But the 4th is not the only night for fireworks, 67% of the injuries occurred from June 16th, 2017 – July 16th, 2017.  We usually start having a significant increase in nightly fireworks a couple of weeks prior to the actual holiday and this is the problem.

The shows on the 4th of July are professional and are accompanied by fireman.  The shows that are put on in the neighborhoods are usually not.  Additionally, depending on the laws where you are, the fireworks are probably illegal.  Colorado, where I’m from, does not allow the use of any firework that explode or are intended to leave the ground.  I love firework shows, I love the 4th of July, and I enjoy having fun with my friends and family.  But when it comes to fireworks, I recommend leaving it to the professionals.  But if you are going to use fireworks, here are some recommended safety tips:

  • Check your local laws to see what you can and cannot legally use
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol if you’re going to set off fireworks.
  • Wear safety glasses
  • If you’re going to allow children to use fireworks, it should only be done under close adult supervision.
  • Do not light them near house, people, or other things that could possibly ignite.
  • Never light them indoors.
  • Stay away from “duds”. Do not pick up or handle fireworks that don’t explode.
  • Keep a hose, extinguisher, or bucket of water close by in case of an accidental fire.

I know some people will be setting off fireworks this year that shouldn’t be.  I personally recommend that you sit back and enjoy the show put on by your local community.  If you still want to use fireworks and you’re going to have your own show for the neighborhood, then please do it safely.

Fall Protection by the Numbers

Numbers Are An Important Part Of Fall Protection

Have you ever sat through a fall protection class or looked at the standard regulating your industry?  There are a lot of numbers and other information thrown at you.  To begin, you need to understand where you work and what you do.  This will help you determine what OSHA source material you’ll need to review.  It will be either 1910 Subpart D for general industry or 1926 Subpart M under the construction standard.  Depending on the specific task you’re engaged in, there could be other areas you may need to visit.  Are you working on scaffolding in the construction industry, then Subpart L?  Maybe a question about steel erection, then Subpart R has some information you could reference.  Regardless, numbers are an important part of fall protection.  We’re going to focus on the construction industry and the standards that regulate it.

Let’s start with one of the most important number to remember in the construction industry, 6 feet.  This number is important specifically because OSHA has designated this as the height an employee on a walking working surface 6’ above the lower level needs to be protected from falling.  Additionally, the maximum allowable freefall distance in most instances is also 6’.  Protecting your workers can be achieved with several options, the most popular of which are the use of a guard rail system, or personal fall arrest system.  Ensure you and your employees are familiar with 6’ and have a plan in place to protect workers at or above this level.

When determining the protective measures, you’re going to use, guardrails are a common and easy choice.  If you’re going to use a guard rail system, it must meet several requirements, again more numbers to remember.  The top rail must be located at 42” +/- 3”.  It must support 200# of an outward downward force.  The mid rail must be located directly between the top rail and the walking working surface, typically this is 21” and support 150# of an outward downward force.  If you install a toe board, it must be no higher than 1/4” above the walking surface and support 50# of force applied against it.  Ensure that your workforce understands the height requirements and the limitations of the system.  Although common on most jobsites, remember, they only need to support 200#’s at the most.  That number is not very big when you think about an employee potentially falling into or against an installed guard rail on your project.

Another method to protect employees is the use of a restraint or personal fall arrest system (PFAS).  This method, when used correctly, should ensure that your employees are never exposed to a fall or protected in the event of an actual fall.  With the use of these protective methods, there are all sorts of numbers that we need to ensure our work force understands.  Teaching the employee’s, the ABC’s of fall protection is an easy way to help them remember.

Fall Protection by the Numbers

The A stands for anchor.  In any system, you need to ensure what you are anchoring to, will support you.  With this, the OSHA requirements call for one of the following numbers.  1000, 3000, or 5000.  These are the minimum anchorage connector breaking strength (per ANSI) depending on your fall protection application.  1000# for restraint, 3000# for work positioning, and 5000# for fall arrest. You can also use an anchor that is designed, installed and used as part of a complete PFAS which maintains a safety factor of at least two, under the supervision of a qualified person.

B is for body support, typically a full body harness.  Inspect your harness, you’ll find some more numbers.  310# and 420#.  Depending on your equipment, this will be the maximum permitted worker weight able to use this equipment.  This difference is typically dependent upon the next part of your ABC’s.

The C is the connector you use.  This is the lanyard, retractable, or restraint system you are using to keep you from falling or hitting a lower level.  It’s what connects your body support to the anchor.  Manufacturers have a wide variety of connecting equipment to use, most are rated at 900#.  This is the maximum average arrest force permitted under normal conditions, although OSHA and ANSI both permit the number to be 1800#.  Additionally, the connector will have a deceleration distance.  That number is 3.5 feet, although ANSI allows for 4’.  These numbers are important because they will help determine an appropriate anchor height.  You don’t want to go to low and end up hitting something below you.

A complete fall protection program should look at all of these different numbers and consider them when putting together a plan to protect your workers.  If you need help understanding the fall protection numbers and standards or want someone to help develop a plan for you, give Trivent Safety Consulting a call (800) 819-6092.  We would love to help you set up a plan that works for you and your team.

TIME TO POST YOUR RECORDS

In case you were unaware or have let the time get away from you and you forgot, here’s your friendly reminder from your friends at Trivent Safety.  It’s time for you to conspicuously post your OSHA 300A logs for your employees to review.  These logs need to be posted from February 1st until the last day of April.  This is not a new rule and is different from the electronic recordkeeping rule which is also about to become a priority.  Every company required to maintain injury/illness logs must post this document.  OSHA 300A forms, in addition to being posted conspicuously, need to be electronically filed with OSHA by March 2nd.  This requirement is for establishments that have 250 or more employees or for companies in certain industries with 20 – 249 employees.  To review the list and see if you company is required to report, please follow this link OSHA.  If you have any questions regarding electronic recordkeeping OSHA has a good FAQ page or feel free to call us (800) 819-6092.

Some changes to the recordkeeping rule that should be noted.  Establishments with 250 or more employees no longer are required to electronically submit their 300 or 301 forms along with their 300A.  These establishments are required to maintain the hard copy throughout the year and have available upon request but again, you are not required to submit them electronically.

In years past, electronic documents needed to be filed in July.  This has changed and March 2nd is the date that you are required to have the 300A filed.  Failure to meet this deadline is considered nonreporting and could result in an OSHA citation.

Please ensure that you post a hardcopy of your 300A by February 1st and for those companies that are required to, upload the 300A electronically to OSHA.

If you have questions regarding this or any safety needs, feel free to call us.