Safety Blog: Understanding Regulations

Today’s blog begins a four-part series on the development of a fall protection program.

The fall protection industry has been bombarded with regulations and standards. Understanding these requirements is key to ensuring a safe work environment and is the first step in developing a fall protection program.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR) assures and enforces safe and healthful working conditions for general industry and construction in the United States. Under the Act, employers have the duty of providing their workers with a place of employment free from recognized safety and health hazards. It’s the law.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) are organizations made up of manufacturers and consumers that establish product performance standards for fall protection safety. Meeting the standards indicates that products pass accepted testing procedures. The standards are not enforceable as law; however, many OSHA regulations are adopted from ANSI standards.

Application of regulatory requirements depends on the specific location, industry and operation of the workplace. In the event of an inspection, the company will be assessed on how well its operation meets the regulatory requirements of each particular job. Employers should obtain copies of the regulations that apply to their work activities and begin a fall protection regulations file.

Visit websites or contact your appropriate associations to access copies of regulations and standards:

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
www.osha.gov

Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
(416) 747-4231
www.csa.ca

American National Standards Institute Inc. (ANSI)
(212) 642-4900
www.asse.org

Don’t miss our next blog which will address steps two and three in developing a fall protection program – Hazard Identification and a Written Fall Protection Plan.

Special thanks to Wind Builder Safety Blog sponsor: Miller Fall Protection/Honeywell.
Please continue to follow their multi-part series through July 26.