As most construction supply store owners have now heard, OSHA has introduced new fall protection regulations for the residential construction industry. The new changes take effect June 16, 2011, and eliminate the interim guidelines that were put in place by OSHA in 1995, marking the first significant fall protection regulation change in the industry in over 15 years.
The changes are in response to the fact that an average of 40 workers in the residential construction industry are killed each year as a result of falling off a roof. OSHA’s new compliance instruction aims to lower that number by requiring all workers performing residential construction work who are exposed to a fall from a height of 6 feet or greater to be protected by one or more acceptable forms of fall protection.
Any employer found not complying with the new OSHA regulations without an approved alternative plan after June 16 of this year will be cited and face hefty fines. As supply store owners, it is an important time to help educate your customers on how to choose the correct equipment meeting this new standard.
This new instruction is fairly straightforward, but for residential construction companies that have not been using fall protection at all, or have not used the types of fall protection that comply with OSHA standard 1926.501 subpart M, it is a huge change. Here are some tips to share:
1. Remind customers to take the change seriously — it’s the law.
Experts predict OSHA to be stern about enforcing the new regulations. Supply store owners should be familiar with the new regulations in advance of this date and make sure they are well-versed to advise their clients on proper equipment to comply with subpart M. Although it will be a significant change for many companies, let them know it doesn’t have to be an expensive one: Basic fall protection kits are available for as little as $100.
2. In addition to compliance, equipment offers many safety benefits.
Now is the ideal time for construction supply store owners to highlight the many benefits of fall protection equipment. Not only should it be worn because of the new OSHA regulations, but also remind customers that proper fall protection equipment truly benefits workers’ safety. Keep in mind that many workers in the industry, especially seasoned workers, believe “an accident won’t happen to me.” Reiterate to store clients that accidents can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere.
3. Supply store owners should read the new OSHA regulations and be familiar with the “fine print.”
Starting June 16, fall protection equipment is required any time a fall of 6 feet or more is possible, including during roof work. (Note: the 25-foot eave-to-ground height threshold no longer applies.) Also, slide guards are no longer acceptable as the only form of fall protection equipment for workers. Depending on the particular activity, acceptable forms of fall protection include guardrails, safety nets and active fall arrest systems (fall restraint is also acceptable). In some low-slope roof applications, a combination of warning lines, guardrails, nets, monitors and personal fall arrest systems are acceptable. On small, low-sloped roofs, a monitor alone may be allowed. Therefore, when working with store customers it is important to keep in mind that any employer found not providing acceptable types of fall protection equipment for workers will be cited unless they can show why conventional fall protection equipment was not feasible or presented a greater hazard to use. In that case, the business owner must still provide acceptable alternative fall protection safeguards by some other means.
4. Point out advances in fall protection equipment.
When explaining the benefits of fall protection equipment to customers, point out companies can overcome resistance to compliance by supplying workers with comfortable, high-performing equipment that can be easily worn by their employees for the duration of the workday. For example, full-body harnesses should be constructed with strategically-placed padding and soft, moisture-wicking materials that won’t chafe or rub.
5. Encourage construction business owners to consider training.
Residential construction companies should ensure they make time for workers to undergo fall protection training in advance of June 16. Both classroom and hands-on training sessions will ensure workers get the feel of properly fitted fall protection equipment and understand how to use it correctly. Most major fall protection manufacturers offer training courses to help residential construction workers learn how to comply with the new regulations. Supply store owners can partner with manufacturers to obtain more information about these training sessions. Having the proper equipment is important, but it’s just as important that customers know how to use it.
When the new OSHA regulation takes effect in June, it will certainly be a big change for the residential construction industry, but one that supply store owners can leverage to build stronger relationships with their customers. By becoming familiar with the regulations now, when the calendar turns, store owners can be fully prepared to help clients select the proper fall protection equipment.