St. Louis – In an effort to help residential construction workers stay safe, a new website is providing details on fall protection methods and equipment.
The online resource includes descriptions, pictures and installation instructions for various types of fall protection devices. Much of the equipment is highlighted in OSHA’s guidance document for residential construction.
The site organizes fall protection by type, including:
- Personal fall arrest systems
- Guardrails
- Hole covers
- Safety nets
- Scaffolds
- Lifts
- Ladders
Each category includes subcategories to help workers navigate specific types of equipment. For example, after selecting personal fall arrest systems, workers may choose from four options: anchors, harnesses, lanyards or self-retracting lifelines.
The site also includes 11 phases of construction from which workers may choose, including installing floor joists, windows, roof trusses, roof sheathing and siding.
The site was developed by Vicki Kaskutas, a researcher from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, along with assistance from the Center for Construction Research and Training through a cooperative agreement with NIOSH.
