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Down To Zero ̶Eliminate Falls/Save Lives

State Building & Construction Trades Council of California, AFL-CIO

Funded by Federal OSHA (2013)

This material was produced under grant number SH-23588-12-60-F-6 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

PPT Section 8 of 8

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Fall Prevention Summary• Falls are the leading cause of construction

deaths (35% )• The 4 most common causes of falls are:

1. Unprotected sides and leading edges2. Unguarded floor openings and skylights3. Unsafe scaffolds4. Unsafe ladders

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Fall Prevention Summary Cal/OSHA requires fall protection on a

surface with an unprotected side or edge greater than 7.5 feet (6’ fed OSHA) above a lower level– Fall prevention: keeps workers from

falling (guardrails and hole covers)– Fall arrest: catches workers after they

have fallen (safety nets, catch platforms and personal fall arrest systems)

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Fall Prevention Summary• The ABCs of Personal Fall Arrest Systems,

include:–Anchorage (point and anchorage connector)–Body harness, and –Connector (lanyard)

• Anchorage points must support 5,000 lbs. or twice the intended load

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Fall Prevention Summary• Floor openings must be secured, covered,

labeled, • Covers should support twice the load• Skylights should be covered by temporary

railing or skylight covers• Scaffolds must be erected and dismantled

under the supervision of a “qualified” person

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Fall Prevention Summary• Most deaths from ladders happen at 10 feet

or lower• Set ladders at 4:1 height-to-base ratio• Climb ladders using 3-point contact and

don’t carry anything in your hands

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Questions?For more information please contact the SBCTC.