The Top 5 Misconceptions About Fall Protection
Working at height must be safe – we can all agree on that. Yet in practice, many professionals have their own ideas about fall protection. These are the top five misconceptions that Dirk van Blijswijk, Fall Protection Product Specialist and Manager of the Safe Site – Powered by Mennens Expertise Centre, has heard time and again over the past fifteen years.
These are some of the reasons why many professionals believe they can work safely at height without the right knowledge and/or equipment.
Misconception 1: We’ve Always Done It This Way
Okay, so you’ve always done it this way. That doesn’t mean something can’t go wrong. In fact, ingrained habits and overconfidence can be extremely dangerous. A small misstep from a height of just a few metres can be fatal. The fact that you’ve always done it this way doesn’t change that.
Misconception 2: I’m Holding On, Aren’t I?
Holding on to a gutter, railing, mobile scaffold or anything else is not enough to work safely at height. What if the gutter comes loose, your hand cramps up, or cold, sweat or rain causes you to lose your grip on the railing? What if a colleague suddenly moves the scaffold? External factors can still cause you to fall.
Misconception 3: I’m Not Afraid of Heights
Whether or not you’re afraid of heights, falling from height – even from a relatively low height – can result in serious injury or death. Even if you have no fear of heights, you can still misstep or make an error of judgement. Or you could become the victim of circumstances beyond your control.
Misconception 4: We’ve Already Had a Toolbox Talk
…But a toolbox talk alone doesn’t save lives. Purchasing fall protection equipment is one thing. Using it responsibly and knowing how to respond correctly in an emergency is another. And that is not something you learn from a toolbox talk alone.
What do you do if a colleague falls from a considerable height, remains suspended below you and loses consciousness? Is there a rescue plan in place? Do you have a suitable rescue kit available? And do you know where to find it?
During a training course at the Safe Site – Powered by Mennens Expertise Centre, we teach your professionals everything they need to know about these situations.
Misconception 5: The Fire Brigade Will Help Us
“We’ll just call the fire brigade,” is something I hear regularly. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Assistance from the fire brigade may not always be sufficient or arrive in time. Think about it: how will the fire brigade quickly get their equipment to the required height or depth? And how will they reach and rescue your colleague – who may be unconscious – using a mobile elevating work platform? After all, a mobile elevating work platform has a limited reach.
Working Safely: It’s Time for a Change
These are just a few of the many misconceptions I encounter in my work. I strongly advocate the use of fall protection – it exists for a reason. The personal protective equipment is available, and the laws and regulations are clear. So why do we still fail to use it properly far too often?
Falls are among the most common causes of workplace accidents. In short, it’s time for a change.
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