March 2024

March2024

Inside the March Issue

 

 

Safeguarding Workers: The Evolution of Industrial Fall Protection

In the world of industrial workplaces, ensuring the safety and well-being of your workers should never take a back seat. Among the various hazards your workers face, falls from height stand out as a very significant risk. Falls from height lead to injuries, fatalities, and of course, productivity losses. Recognizing this challenge, industries have continually evolved their approach to fall protection by advancements in technologies and instituting best practices to mitigate risks and create safer environments for workers.

The Need for Vigilance
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls consistently rank among the top causes of serious workplace injuries and deaths. In 2019 alone, 880 construction workers lost their lives due to falls. Statistics like this highlight the critical need for immediate, robust fall protection measures. Furthermore, OSHA reports that lack of proper fall protection remains the most frequently cited violation, underlining the urgency for comprehensive safety protocols and innovative thought on better fall protection equipment.

Innovations Driving Safety
The landscape of industrial fall protection has brought about remarkable advancements over the decades, driven by innovation and a sound commitment to enhancing worker safety. A very noteworthy development is the proliferation of cutting-edge personal protective equipment or PPE. PPE has advancements in engineering that provide unparalleled protection without compromising mobility or comfort. Harnesses, lanyards, and retractable lifelines have become staples in the arsenal of safety gear.

Moreover, technological innovations in mezzanine safety gates advanced from a chain that hung across an opening to an operational gate that never exposed a worker to an opening, eliminating the risk of a fall from height. Companies like Diverse Manufacturing Solutions have introduced innovative solutions to mezzanine safety gates, such as a safety gate you can never leave open (The E3 Levelizer®), resulting in zero risk of open gate falls. Fall protection systems like these enhance safety and streamline workflows, contributing to operational efficiency.

Empowering Through Education
Effective fall protection goes beyond equipment and systems; it requires a culture of safety ingrained within the workforce. Employers play a pivotal role in fostering this culture by providing comprehensive training programs that equip workers with the knowledge and skills to identify hazards, such as open safety gates, improperly equipped openings, correct PPE utilization, and effective responses to workplace emergencies. Full story »

 

today's News

NIGMS awards $250k Virtual Reality Safety Training Contract

FSM Staff | 03.27.24

CAMBRIDGE, MA -- The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) awarded Charles River Analytics a contract to help instructors use virtual reality (VR) tools appropriately and to their full potential to enhance training for emergency responders who may encounter hazardous materials.

Full article »

OSHA, Construction Safety Week Organization Issue Challenge for Stand-Down to Prevent Falls

FSM Staff | 03.26.24

WASHINGTON, DC -- Each year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports falls from elevation as the leading cause of construction worker fatalities.

Full article »

DOL Announces Safety, Health Impact Inspections Findings

FSM Staff | 03.26.24

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Mine Safety and Health Administration completed impact inspections at 13 mines in nine states in February 2024, identifying 207 violations.

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RiConnect announced as Headline Sponsor of LiftEx 2024 in London

FSM Staff | 03.25.24

HUNTINGDON, UK -- LiftEx 2024, the flagship event of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), will be taking place on 16-17 October 2024 at Olympia London's West Hall. The organizers announced RiConnect, as the Headline Sponsor. 

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NSC Expands Efforts to Combat Overdoses in the Workplace

FSM Staff | 03.25.24

WASHINGTON, DC -- Overdoses remain the leading cause of unintentional death in the United States and account for nearly 10 percent of all workplace fatalities. To help positively impact the opioid epidemic in the U.S., the National Safety Council is ramping up its commitment to combatting overdoses in the workplace through the launch of several new initiatives.

Full article »