Did you know that fall from heights is the number one cause of occupational fatalities in the construction industry? What does that tell us? Are they more casual about safety in the construction industry, or could this be true for other industries? Are we really listening to statistics and realizing the facts? Are we really listening?
OSHA – 35% of all fatalities are related to work at height
It is thought that general approach to safety when working at height is common throughout the different industries, with some exceptions where some industries have proven to have a zero tolerance for compromising on the safety aspect. Data from OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration in USA (https://www.osha.gov/), predicts that fall from heights will remain as the leading cause of fatalities at a workplace. Roughly 35% of all fatalities will be a result of falls (OSHA: 2018).
Are we addressing the safety issue?
If we know this now, then why has this percentage been so high in the past and will still be high in the years to come? What it boils down to is managing, addressing and prioritizing, not only the effect on workers well-being, but the result of these types of accidents.
We need to address the issue now, and acknowledging the fact that the cheap, simple and easy solutions may not be the best solutions in the long run. It is somewhat easy to pull out a ladder to simply “do the job” and harder to invest in for instance a man lift which is much more secure and stable solution. Safety for work at heights should be lifted to the management level and addressed.
A fall from just 1,8-2 meters can prove to be fatal. That not very high… on ladder or step ladder.
Using poor equipment for work at height is bad business
We have addressed the more serious consequences of accidents when working at height using poor equipment, but we have not talked about how “smaller” things may affect your business.
Having workers work in bad and difficult position, using poor equipment for work at height, may lead to overexertion and bodily reactions, which over time will result in days away from work. Absence of workforce does not only yield direct costs, but additional costs as replacement workers may be called upon. A temporary worker may also not be as skilled as the one away from work, leading to a poorer quality in the production. An increase in costs and a decrease in the quality. What it boils down to is that it might be worth every invested money in more useful and secure working equipment when it comes to work at height – both in the short and long run.
According to studies conducted in USA every USD invested in safety and injury prevention can give a return between USD 2 and USD 6. Why? Productivity increases, more happy workers and a better workplace, retention of workers leading to sustainable and successful working environment (National Safety Council – USA (https://www.nsc.org)).
Competence for work at height
Not only would it be needed to have proper equipment to work at height, but also proper training in using the equipment and how to maintain safe when working at height. Without this training, there would be holes that in the worst case would lead to dangerous working conditions. Equipment and competence are critical components in maintaining a safe workplace.
Securing and increasing productivity for work at height in a spray booth
Reglo AS is leading OEM of man lift and work access platforms for the spray booth industry (including preparation booths). Reglo AS is committed to producing equipment supporting both safety when working at height, but also providing more productivity inside the spray booth.
Reglo AS’ man lifts have been on the market for more than 30 years and have been exported to over 40 countries worldwide. All man lifts from Reglo are certified by a third-party notifying body (TÜV and UL), and are in compliance with the acting norms and laws for work at height inside a spray booth. To review more about Reglo AS’ man lifts please visit these links below:
To learn more about where the man lifts can be applied, please visit our overview of the different segments.
To learn more about the certifications of the man lifts and ATEX-compliance, please check out the links below:
UL Wall-Man/XL and Liftman/Fold