Construction Fatal Four and How to Prevent Them

Data from 2018 suggests that the top 4 fatalities reported on construction sites (excluding transportation) are:

1. Falls – falls from roofs, ladders, and scaffolding (most fatalities are the result of falls from between 11 feet and 20 feet)
2. Struck by object – flying objects from power tools, falling tools or material knocked off an unprotected edge, swinging radius of cranes, being rolled into or over by heavy equipment
3. Electrocutions – for electrical workers – electrical equipment and wiring; for non-electrical workers – contact with overhead power lines by heavy equipment
4. Caught in/between – caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, stuck, caught, or crushed in collapsing structures, equipment, or material

Read more on our website!

Need Help Establishing Crucial Fall Protection Standards at Your Organization?

We’re a trusted resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios. We strive to be a true partner to our clients, providing them with unbiased, independent assessments, and more importantly, sound solutions.

“Innovative Engineering Inc. (IEI) has been a trusted resource for our structural and parking garage repair and restoration needs for several years. I have personally worked with the firm as long ago as 2001. We have found IEI to be very responsive and easy to work with. Their work has been accurate, thorough, on time, and within budget. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them.”  – Sarah Peek, Emory University Hospital Midtown

Contact us today for our expert advice and knowledge about fall protection, structure and façade inspection, roof inspection, anti-terrorism force protection, and more. Our experts are standing by to help you!

How to Prevent Falls in the Workplace

Falls are a hazard in many workplace environments. They can happen during walking, climbing a ladder, and unfortunately, due to the carelessness of workers.

How can you protect your workers?

Studies by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show there are more than 600 fatal falls annually. Regular fall protection training and enforcement of safety standards at your workplace are essential to keeping your workers safe and protecting you from potential litigation.

The most common industries that experience fall hazards are:

• Building cleaning and maintenance
• Transportation and material handling
• Construction and demolition occupations

As an employer, you’re obligated to be aware of hazards to your employees, to be aware of hazards to other employees, to disclose known hazards like asbestos, mold, or lead, and to have permanent fall protection and davits when necessary for workers.

With a Managed Fall Protection Program, you are committing to providing a safe work environment for all employees working at heights and exposed to fall hazards. Penalties for not following OSHA regulations can be severe, and employers who have never been inspected by OSHA can still be found liable in civil court if they fail to observe OSHA requirements.

Read more on our website!

We’re a trusted resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios. We strive to be a true partner to our clients, providing them with unbiased, independent assessments, and more importantly, sound solutions.

“Innovative Engineering Inc. (IEI) has been a trusted resource for our structural and parking garage repair and restoration needs for several years. I have personally worked with the firm as long ago as 2001. We have found IEI to be very responsive and easy to work with. Their work has been accurate, thorough, on time, and within budget. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them.”  – Sarah Peek, Emory University Hospital Midtown

Contact us today for our expert advice and knowledge about fall protection, structure and façade inspection, roof inspection, anti-terrorism force protection, and more. Our experts are standing by to help you!

What are My Fall Protection Responsibilities as an Owner?

Data from 2018 suggests the top 4 fatalities reported on construction sites (excluding transportation) are:

•  Falls – falls from roof, ladders, scaffolding (most fatalities are the result of falls from between 11 feet and 20 feet)
• Struck by object – flying objects from power tools, falling tools or material knocked off an unprotected edge, swinging radius of crane, rolling into or over by heavy equipment
• Electrocutions – for electrical workers – electrical equipment and wiring; for non-electrical workers – contact with overhead power lines by heavy equipment
• Caught in/between – caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, stuck, caught, or crushed in collapsing structure, equipment or material

With a Managed Fall Protection Program, you are committing to providing a safe work environment for all employees working at heights and exposed to fall hazards. Penalties for not following OSHA regulations can be severe, and employers who have never been inspected by OSHA can still be found liable in civil court if they fail to observe OSHA requirements.

As an employer, you’re obligated to:

•     Be aware of hazards to your own employees
•     Be aware of hazards to other employees not created by tenant or contractor
•     Disclose known hazards like asbestos, mold, and lead
•     Have permanent fall protection and davits

Eliminate, Prevent, Control and Warn

Remember: your obligation as an owner, property manager, architect, planner, or engineer is to incorporate safe design measures to eliminate, prevent, or otherwise control fall hazards in the design phase.

To eliminate any fall hazards, working from the ground or locating equipment in interstitial space is the most effective. Preventing falls using guardrails, covers, barriers, and flat surfaces is also effective. Least effective but still viable options are using fall arrest and nets (not a cure all, as everything must work perfectly to prevent fatality), and finally warning, which is essentially no protection and relying on worker behavior and human nature only.

Read more about fall protection on our website!

Trust Innovative Engineering Inc. to Provide Efficient Fall Protection

We’re a trusted resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios. We strive to be a true partner to our clients, providing them with honest assessments, and more importantly, sound solutions.

“Innovative Engineering Inc. (IEI) has been a trusted resource for our structural and parking garage repair and restoration needs for several years. I have personally worked with the firm as long ago as 2001. We have found IEI to be very responsive and easy to work with. Their work has been accurate, thorough, on time, and within budget. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them.”  – Sarah Peek, Emory University Hospital Midtown

Contact us today for our expert advice and knowledge about fall protection, façade inspection, roof inspection, anti-terrorism force protection, and more. Our experts are standing by to help you!

Fall Protection Best Practices

Building a new facility or headquarters for your company is an exciting but large task. The planning involved takes months, and whether you’re an employer, a CEO, or the building manager, your job is to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

OSHA requires fall protection for any worker who may be exposed to a fall of four feet or more from at-height working, or from open edges. OSHA has also prioritized ladder fall protection specifically, as injuries and fatalities from ladder falls are some of the most common workplace accidents.

Here’s a reminder of worker rights:

•     Workers are entitled to a safe and healthful workplace.
•     Workers have a right to know about hazardous chemicals.
•     Workers have a right to file a complaint with OSHA.
•     Workers have a right to be free from retaliation for exercising safety and health rights

Learn more about fall protection on our website! 

Trust Innovative Engineering Inc. to Provide Efficient Fall Protection

We’re a trusted resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios. We strive to be a true partner to our clients, providing them with honest assessments, and more importantly, sound solutions.

“Innovative Engineering Inc. (IEI) has been a trusted resource for our structural and parking garage repair and restoration needs for several years. I have personally worked with the firm as long ago as 2001. We have found IEI to be very responsive and easy to work with. Their work has been accurate, thorough, on time, and within budget. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them.”  – Sarah Peek, Emory University Hospital Midtown

Contact us today for our expert advice and knowledge about fall protection, façade inspection, roof inspection, anti-terrorism force protection, and more. Our experts are standing by to help you!

Remember the ABCD's of Fall Arrest Systems!

Fall/Travel Restraint systems utilize a combination of an anchorage, anchorage connector, and lanyard.

This system eliminates the possibility of an employee going over the edge of a walking-working surface.

•    Anchorage
•    Body Support
•    Connectors
•    Deceleration Devices

All components of your fall protection system should be thoroughly inspected before use. Other fall protection systems include ladders, guardrails, and industrial rope access.

Ladders come in two varieties - portable and fixed. There are two major guidelines to follow when using a portable ladder: you must keep three points of contact with the ladder at all times, and your belt buckle should never be extended past the side rails of the ladder.

Portable ladders should be kept at 75 degrees (a 4-to-1 ratio) and the side rails should extend at least 3 feet above the upper level. Ensure that the ladder is secured at top and bottom, and that it is placed on a stable surface. Always follow manufacturer recommendations, and inspect your equipment before use.

Guardrails are required to be 42 inches tall, plus or minus 3 inches. A toe board should be present at the bottom of the rail, at least 3.5 inches tall, to prevent items from being kicked off onto people or property below.

Industrial Rope Access is a use form of positioning that allows inspection of hard-to-reach locations without the need for scaffolding, cradles, or an aerial work platform.

Read the full article on our website!

Innovative Engineering Inc. Can Provide Efficient Fall Protection

Innovative Engineering Inc. is a trusted Structural Engineering resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including some of those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios. We strive to be a true partner to our clients, providing them with honest assessments, and more importantly, sound solutions.

Contact us today for our expert advice and knowledge about fall protection, and to provide OSHA Competent Person Training. Our experts are standing by to help you!

Are You Following Fall Protection Best Practices?

In order to provide a safe workplace, Building Owners, Property Managers, Architects, Planners, and Engineers shall incorporate safe design measures to eliminate, prevent, or otherwise control fall hazards in the design phase.

There are many options for reduction of fall hazards, but the ultimate goal should be total elimination of hazards wherever possible. One such method of fall hazard elimination is the incorporation of ground support equipment into the mechanical design of the building, eliminating the need to go on the roof to inspect or maintain the equipment.

Fall Protection systems that are classified as "warnings" do offer some protection, but at the end of the day rely purely on human diligence. A warning line can be used, or a designated safety monitor who actively overlooks working conditions and can warn other workers when they are approaching a fall hazard.

Read the full article about fall protection and steps you must take on our website!

Innovative Engineering Inc. is a trusted Structural Engineering resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including some of those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios. We strive to be a true partner to our clients, providing them with honest assessments, and more importantly, sound solutions.

“Innovative Engineering Inc. (IEI) has been a trusted resource for our structural and parking garage repair and restoration needs for several years. I have personally worked with the firm as long ago as 2001. We have found IEI to be very responsive and easy to work with. Their work has been accurate, thorough, on time, and within budget. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them.” – Sarah Peek, Emory University Hospital Midtown

Contact us today for our expert advice and knowledge about fall protection, and to provide OSHA Competent Person Training. Our experts are standing by to help you!

What are OSHA Fall Protection Standards?

In order to provide a safe workplace, Building Owners, Property Managers, Architects, Planners, and Engineers are required to incorporate safe design measures to eliminate, prevent, or otherwise control fall hazards in the design phase.

There are many options for reduction of fall hazards, but the ultimate goal is total elimination of hazards wherever possible. One such method of fall hazard elimination is the incorporation of ground support equipment into the mechanical design of the building, eliminating the need to go on the roof to inspect or maintain equipment.

How Can Fall Risks Be Reduced?

Another such method of fall hazard elimination is the incorporation of interstitial space into the design of the building, which provides a full-fledged walking surface for inspection of elevated equipment.

Parapets and portable guard rails do not completely eliminate fall hazards, but do offer strong protection.

Presumably harmless aspects of a building's roof can still represent fall hazards. Features such as skylights should be caged or covered to prevent workers from falling through them.

Innovative Engineering Inc. Can Provide Efficient Fall Protection

Innovative Engineering Inc. is a trusted Structural Engineering resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including some of those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios. We strive to be a true partner to our clients, providing them with honest assessments, and more importantly, sound solutions.

“Innovative Engineering Inc. (IEI) has been a trusted resource for our structural and parking garage repair and restoration needs for several years. I have personally worked with the firm as long ago as 2001. We have found IEI to be very responsive and easy to work with. Their work has been accurate, thorough, on time, and within budget. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them.” – Sarah Peek, Emory University Hospital Midtown

Contact us today for our expert advice and knowledge about fall protection, and to provide OSHA Competent Person Training. Our experts are standing by to help you!

Are You Using Fall Protection Properly?

Are your employees properly protected from fall hazards?

Are you absolutely sure that your equipment is up to OSHA Regulations and ANSI Standards, and your employees properly equipped for fall protection?

There’s nothing worse than a false sense of security, especially when working at great heights. There are many occasions when workers think they’re protected but might be lacking proper equipment – whether it’s an ill-fitting body harness, or unsecured railings.

How can you be sure you’re not putting your employees at risk?

Visit our website for the full story about fall protection guidelines!

Innovative Engineering Inc. Can Provide Efficient Fall Protection

Innovative Engineering Inc. is a trusted Structural Engineering resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including some of those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios. We strive to be a true partner to our clients, providing them with honest assessments, and more importantly, sound solutions.

To eliminate fall hazards, working from the ground or locating equipment in interstitial space is the most effective. Preventing falls using guardrails, covers, barriers, and flat surfaces is also effective. Less effective but still viable options are using fall arrest and nets (not a cure all, as everything must work perfectly to prevent fatalities), and warnings – which are essentially no protection – and relying only on worker behavior and human nature.

Fall Protections 101

Building a new facility or headquarters for your company is exciting but it can be a large task. Planning can take months, and as an employer, an owner, or building manager, your job is to ensure the safety of everyone involved during construction and when the building is occupied.

OSHA requires fall protection for any worker who may be exposed to a fall of six feet or more during construction, or of four feet or more while the building is occupied, when working at height or near open edges. In addition, OSHA has prioritized ladder fall protection as the number of injuries and fatalities from ladder falls is one of the most common workplace accidents.

How can you be sure the crew working for you are protected? As an employer, how can you be sure to keep yourself protected from a potential lawsuit?

Find out more on our website!

Innovative Engineering Inc. Can Provide Efficient Fall Protection

Innovative Engineering Inc. is a trusted Structural Engineering resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios. We strive to be a true partner to our clients, providing them with honest assessments, and more importantly, sound solutions.

“Innovative Engineering Inc. (IEI) has been a trusted resource for our structural and parking garage repair and restoration needs for several years. I have personally worked with the firm as long ago as 2001. We have found IEI to be very responsive and easy to work with. Their work has been accurate, thorough, on time, and within budget. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them.” – Sarah Peek, Emory University Hospital Midtown

Contact us today for our expert advice and knowledge about fall protection, façade inspection, turn key, anti-terrorism force protection, and more. Our experts are standing by to help you!