Safety Tip: The Importance of Annual Safety Equipment Inspections

Back in March 2015, OHS Canada reported that more than 40,000 workers in Canada get injured annually due to fall accidents. This total number represents a significant chunk of “lost-time injuries” accepted by workers’ compensation boards or commissions across Canada. In addition to great economic loss, falls cause pain and suffering and claim lives, highlighting the urgent need for proper fall protection rescue procedures in the workplace.

OHS stated that despite prevention efforts, workers continue to fall because of the following top 5 reasons:

1. Fall-protection equipment is not available, not used, or is misused;

2. Fall protective devices and systems, like guardrails, are missing.

3. Equipment such as ladders and scaffolds is in poor condition or not used properly.

4. Working conditions such as poor lighting, slippery walking surfaces, and poor housekeeping practices exist.

5. Work practices are poor due to unclear job procedures, a lack of training for workers, and workers rushing and taking shortcuts to meet deadlines.

By concentrating on the three main reasons that contribute to workers falling on the job, Height Works demonstrates our strong commitment to fall protection. Assuming that an organization provides adequate fall protection equipment and systems to protect their work-at-height employees, proactively engaging in annual inspections of the same fall protection equipment and systems, as well as reviewing fall protection rescue procedures, is equally valuable, or even life-saving.

Click on this link to learn more about Height Works Inspection and Testing Services.