The lack of qualified workers—including those skilled in fall protection—has raised concerns that the construction industry will not be able to capitalize on this boom. Part one of this article addressed the opportunity for safety managers to capitalize on the business boom and increase profits. In part two, let’s take a look at the training levels and opportunities available to provide a safer working environment.
AUTHORIZED PERSON
The Introduction to Fall Protection: This course offers an awareness of the issues involved in fall protection, including the need to protect workers at height, and the legislation governing fall protection. It covers best practices in fall protection and the components of a fall protection system including: body support, anchorages, connectors, and rescue. Not every authorized person course will include hands-on training. It is important to supplement this course in those instances.
COMPETENT PERSON
Empower Your Resident Fall Protection Safety Manager: OSHA requirement 1926.500 states that a competent person must be on staff to manage safety regulations. A company could have one person designated to monitor and train everyone on all safety requirements and regulations, or they could divide responsibilities across the team. In a perfect world, each site should have a designated person to manage just fall protection.
Competent person training is for the individuals on-site who are responsible for the immediate supervision, implementation, and monitoring of a managed fall protection program. Participants learn practical solutions to difficult fall protection problems, basic rescue techniques, and how to use appropriate tools and equipment for their work environment. This course includes both written and practical examinations based on the requirements of OSHA Regulations, ANSI Z359.2, and local legislation.
COMPETENT PERSON TRAINER
Create an On-Site Resource for New Hire Training and Refresher Courses: For companies looking to expand headcount significantly, the financial investment for adequate fall protection courses can be significant. A Competent Person Trainer course teaches practical techniques that allow participants to teach select fall protection courses. It includes extensive classroom and hands-on training incorporating both written and practical exams based on the requirements of OSHA Regulations and the ANSI Z359.2 Standard.
It’s important to remember that the impact of a fall protection course or program is only as good as the training and resources behind it. If an employer isn’t confident that they have someone on staff with the willingness and the ability to manage a training program, they need to enlist an outsider. When you factor in a company like 3M Capital Safety’s expertise in training and access to state-of-the-art training equipment, an outside source may be your best ally.
QUALIFIED PERSON
Creating an On-Site Fall Protection Plan Master: A qualified person is able to design, and put into place, fall protection systems including anchor systems, horizontal systems, and vertical systems. They are able to evaluate the day-to-day work of a construction crew and devise a personalized fall protection plan to fit the job. They can also make amendments and adjustments to fall protection plans to tailor them to unique working environments or conditions.
THE COSTS VS THE RISKS
The cost of an employee’s overall healthcare costs and safety related expenses are going up in 2016, according to the survey mentioned in part one of this article: 79 percent of firms report the cost of providing healthcare for their employees increased in 2015, while another 81 percent expect their healthcare costs to increase again in 2016. OSHA’s fines for violations have increased as well. In 2015 alone, OSHA issued 7,402 fall protection violations totaling $19,834,111 in fines against employers. The solution: Invest in fall protection equipment and training to help reduce accident-related healthcare expenses and avoid fines.
When looking to hire new staff, especially in the significant numbers predicted for 2016, it’s easy for companies to look for cost-saving solutions and opportunities. Trouble is, perceived savings opportunities that don’t include providing adequate fall protection equipment and training may result in hefty penalties whether through increased healthcare costs or fines following an accident or injury.
Even if you’ve done your due diligence and have trained your crew, your business could still be at risk. Many construction sites are considered “multi-employee locations” by OSHA. If a worker falls and dies, a multi-employee level citation can be issued. The company that pays the deceased’s paycheck has one part of the responsibility, and the fines can trickle up from there. One company’s fault can become everyone’s expense. The general contractor didn’t inspect everyone? When hiring, did the general contractor verify that everyone had the correct training? If the answer to either of these questions is “no”, they could be at fault and may pay.
THE ONLY CONCLUSION
When looking to hire new workers, especially those new to the construction industry, start them off on the right foot. Get them engaged by showing them that the industry will invest in and support them with valuable training opportunities. Employ fall protection programs that truly equip them with the knowledge they need to help keep them safe on the job. Take steps to alleviate the burden the influx of new hires will put on current staff by creating an on-site training resource, or enlisting an outside training expert. Take the right steps to adequately protect your business and employees from costly accidents and even death.
The construction industry is posed for expansion and profit growth. By approaching workplace safety from the right angle, employers can help attract the right talent, and protect their business. Exposing new workers to possible injury and potential death isn’t a good enticement for young new hires to enlist their friends. Investing in training is a solid step on the path to further growth and expansion in a booming industry. ■
About the Author:  Craig Firl is the North American technical manager and Rick Argudin is a senior trainer with 3M Capital Safety. For more information about fall protection training and resources, including technical links, videos, and open sessions, visit www.capitalsafety.com, or call 800.328.6146.
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Modern Contractor Solutions – June 2016
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