equip and train to protect from falls

The leading cause of fatal accidents and the second leading cause of occupational accidents in the construction industry, falls from heights mobilize stakeholders in the sector. Merely complying with regulations, informing and training teams would be enough to reduce avoidable risks.

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Accidents

Passing through a roof or a frame, in the void on the exteriors, in a hole, a hopper or even a staircase, falls from heights are the second cause of work accidents, according to the 2019 statistics of the Cnam-TS. A quarter of these accidents result in permanent disability. It is also the leading cause of fatal accidents in the construction industry.

Regulations

According to article R. 4323-63 of the labor code, it is forbidden “to use ladders, stepladders and steps as a work station”. Nevertheless, it is possible to use it exceptionally if the risk assessed previously is considered low, the work is of short duration and not repetitive, or it is impossible to use collective protective equipment.

Equipments

Each piece of equipment has rules: fixed or rolling scaffolding must be assembled by trained personnel. Only an authorized worker can operate a mobile person’s platform (MEWP). For a light rolling individual platform (PIRL), the guardrails are never additional steps. Finally, PPE with a fall arrest system is just the ultimate choice.

Formation

The OPPBTP offers two one-day courses. One is intended for team leaders on “Controlling the risks of falls from a height” to learn to “anticipate and foresee solutions”. The other, entitled “Protecting yourself from the risk of falls from a height”, is aimed at team leaders and operators, and aims to “raise awareness” and “actively participate in prevention. “

Prevention

To assess the risks, the site www.chutesdehauteur.fr offers a prevention test in ten questions: awareness of the risk, anticipation of means of prevention, nature and condition of the protective equipment, type of training followed, ability to refuse a situation of work, etc.

The number

9 million days of work stoppages caused by falls from a height in 2018 (Source: ameli.fr)

Products

Uni-Safe, from Layher: Innovative hooks

This system consists of uprights, rails, light end guardrails and red clips used to connect the elements to each other. These hard and very resistant plastic safety hooks, fix the structure with a simple pressure of the hand. One person can assemble and disassemble the system without tools, and there is no sense imposed in the establishment. The width of the floor is adjustable. More compact than conventional equipment, the Uni-Safe device, which is compatible with Layher’s Universal range, halves the logistics volume.