Fall protection

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Washington – Noting an increase in holiday decorating injuries last year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued safety tips for consumers.

Falls through skylights and roof and floor openings can cause severe injuries and, in the worst case, death. According to NIOSH, workers should follow these tips to protect themselves:

Work-related falls can result in severe injuries and death. According to the National Safety Council, falls to a lower level were the second leading cause of workplace fatalities in 2009, behind highway crashes.

Scaffolds can be a safer and more productive way to work than ladders, but they must be set up correctly, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health warns, noting that the majority of fatal falls among construction workers in Massachusetts involve scaffolds.

Although truck drivers and delivery workers are exposed to a number of traffic-related hazards every day, one hazard that may not be apparent is the risk of falling from a vehicle.

Fall protection systems may prevent a serious injury or fatality. However, if a worker wearing fall protection gear falls and is suspended in a static upright position for an extended period of time, too much blood can accumulate in the veins and blood flow cannot normalize.

Reduce your risk of slips, trips and falls by keeping floors clean and clear of clutter, maintaining good lighting both indoors and on outdoor walkways, and more.

Fall protection is designed to save a worker’s life, but it also can create risks in certain situations. If a worker is suspended for too long, he or she may develop what is known as suspension trauma.

Consistent and thorough inspections of scaffolding are crucial to ensure worker safety.

Suspension trauma is a rare occurrence, but it is important to know the warning signs to reduce the hazard.