Workplace Safety Tips - Prevention Guide

PREVENTION GUIDE

TOP 8 WORKPLACE SAFETY TIPS

HORIZON SOLUTIONS, A REXEL BANNER

Beyond the Fatal Four and Top 10

Knowledge is Prevention

Accidents are avoidable. While it’s true that accidents happen, most of the time, they don’t have to. With the
right knowledge, practices, and equipment, most workplace accidents are preventable. This guide is designed to
provide the information you need to help you prevent the deadliest types of incidents as well as rectify the types
of working conditions that can cause both acute injuries and chronic conditions.

CAUSE AND EFFECT HIT LIST

This guide to the top eight workplace safety tips is based on cause and effect. Each tip identifies the cause of
common worksite incidents and accidents and provides valuable information on how to avoid the related effects
(fatalities, injuries, and chronic conditions). This guide covers the fatal four, the top ten, and then some. And it
was developed by our in-house safety expert Jim Lanz, Safety Specialist and OSHA-Certified Trainer.

WHAT IS THE FATAL FOUR?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies construction as one of the most
dangerous industries, accounting for more than 21% of workplace fatalities based on its most recent statistics.
OSHA developed a list of the leading causes of death in construction and dubbed it the Fatal Four:
⏹ Falles
⏹ Struck by Objects
⏹ Electrocution
⏹ Caught-in/Between
Page 2

REXELUSA.COM

As we delve into what each of these accident categories means and how to avoid them, you’ll see that
these types of incidents can happen in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, commercial, general,
institutional, and municipal.

We don’t stop at the fatal four. Not all injuries are fatal or immediate, but they can still cause life-long pain and
suffering. Our additional four workplace safety tips will help you keep workers healthy and whole now and in the
future.

WHAT ABOUT THE TOP TEN?

Each year, OSHA releases statistics on the top ten most frequently cited OSHA standards violated. The most
recent data ranks those cited violations as follows:
⏹ Fall protection, construction
⏹ Hazard communication standard, general industry
⏹ Scaffolding, general requirements, construction
⏹ Respiratory protection, general industry
⏹ Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), general industry
⏹ Ladders, construction
⏹ Powered industrial trucks, general industry
⏹ Fall protection–training requirements
⏹ Machinery and machine guarding, general requirements
⏹ Eye and face protection
This list captures not only the types of safety violations that OSHA identifies most in workplaces around the
country, but it also shows the ways in which employers are putting their workers in harm’s way. It also illustrates
the potential financial impact of an unsafe work site. OSHA can charge up to $13,260 per violation, and that’s
just the tip of the iceberg when you look at the true cost of accidents related to these violations. Workplace
accidents often result in tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses, lost wages, liability payments, and
workers’ compensation costs.

Our collection of workplace safety tips will help you avoid these violations at your facility as well as prevent
avoidable accidents and injuries.

Page 3

HORIZON SOLUTIONS, A REXEL BANNER
Page 4

REXELUSA.COM

Top 8 Workplace Safety Tips:

#1. Prevent Chemical Burns and Hazardous Material Contact Page 6

#2. Prevent Cuts, Puncture Wounds, and Lacerations Page 8

#3. Prevent Electrocution, Shocks, and Burns Page 10

#4. Prevent Hearing Loss and Auditory Damage Page 14

#5. Prevent Overexertion Page 16

#6. Prevent Pinches, Nips, and Amputations Page 18

#7. Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls Page 20

#8. Prevent Struck-By, Caught-Between, and Crushing Injuries Page 24

Page 5

HORIZON SOLUTIONS, A REXEL BANNER

#1. Prevent Chemical Burns and
Hazardous Material Contact

CAUSES: Lack of proper hazard communication; Lack of adequate training; Lack of
appropriate safety equipment

Chemical burns and hazardous material contact injuries are all too common. The required annual hazard
communication training can prevent many of these serious injuries by ensuring both employers and employees
understand the risks and can implement proper safety protocols. And safety equipment such as emergency
eyewash and shower stations located within a “10-second rush to get a 15-minute flush” would lessen the impact
of hazardous material contact.

Hazard Communication Standard

According to OSHA, there are approximately 650K chemical products, and 32M workers are exposed to one
or more chemical hazards, posing a health and safety risk. Exposure to chemicals can cause or contribute to a
variety of serious health effects, and some chemicals can cause fires and explosions.

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires employers to identify workplace chemicals and inform
employees of hazards. Under this standard, employers are required to:

⏹ Identify and list hazardous chemicals in their workplaces.
⏹ Obtain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labels for each hazardous chemical, if not provided by the

manufacturer, importer, or distributor.
⏹ Develop and implement a written hazard communication program, including labels, SDSs, and employee

training, on the list of chemicals, SDS, and label information.
⏹ Communicate hazard information to their employees through labels, SDS, and formal training programs.

– OSHA

4 Steps for Working with Hazardous Materials

STEP 1: IDENTIFY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

The first step in preventing chemical burns and hazardous material contact is to identify all hazardous materials
onsite at the facility. This might seem simple enough, but things get a little trickier when we define what a
hazardous material is:

Page 6

REXELUSA.COM

A hazardous material is any item or agent (biological, chemical, radiological, and/or physical), which has the
potential to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment, either by itself or through interaction with other
factors. – Institute of Hazardous Materials Management

With that definition in mind, you can carefully begin taking inventory of the materials present in your facilities or
work sites.

STEP 2: USE SAFETY DATA SHEETS

After identifying the materials on site, it’s time to download an SDS for each material found. These sheets
provide an organized and detailed collection of information that covers health risks, environmental hazards,
protective measures, flammability information, and more.

STEP 3: TRAIN EMPLOYEES ON HANDLING AND EXPOSURE

Every employee must be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms to look for, should someone be exposed
to any hazardous materials onsite. Training covers what hazardous materials are present at a facility and the
associated risks and goes into depth on proper container labeling and how to label secondary containers.

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) was enacted
worldwide by chemical manufacturers and the major
chemical producing nations. It provides standardized
visual and text data labeling requirements for each type
of chemical hazard, whether liquid, gas, or solid. With
these standards in effect, facilities must be certain every
container is labeled correctly. Standards cover not only
proper labeling but safe storage, as well. Flammables
cabinets, DOT approved gas cans, and the proper
storage of compressed gas cylinders are all critical to a
safe workplace.

STEP 4: MAINTAIN COMPLIANCE

Safety isn’t “set it, and forget it.” A comprehensive safety program requires regular reviews, audits, and updates.
To ensure your facility remains compliant, plan to go through steps one through three on a regular basis and
train new employees as they join the workforce.

Page 7

HORIZON SOLUTIONS, A REXEL BANNER

#2. Prevent Cuts, Puncture Wounds,
and Lacerations

CAUSES: Unsafe equipment; Improper packaging; Lack of training; Lack of machine
guarding

Cuts, puncture wounds, and lacerations are common injuries in construction, manufacturing, and distribution.
Most of the time, these injuries are avoidable when the right equipment is in place and workers are well trained.

Safety Knives

Utility knives and box cutters are common workplace tools. Though cutting with tools like these is an everyday
activity, ensuring safe practices is often overlooked in safety programs. Combined with proper holds and
techniques, safety knives can keep workers safe and prevent cuts, punctures, and lacerations.
Safety knives are designed to help users make cuts more safely because the blade is only exposed when the
knife is in use. There are manual retraction varieties as well as spring-loaded, self-retracting options.

MANUALLY RETRACTED SAFETY KNIVES

⏹ Reduces hand strain (blade stays out until manually retracted)
⏹ Best for repeated cutting over long periods
⏹ Offers multiple blade positions for various cutting depths

SELF-RETRACTING SAFETY KNIVES

⏹ Eliminates the possibility of accidental blade exposure
⏹ Can be carried safely in pockets
⏹ Significantly reduces the chance of accidental injury

Page 8

REXELUSA.COM

Safer Packaging Materials

Thin, flat, and seemingly innocuous, steel banding can be hazardous. Its sharp edges combined with the
pressure of a tight bind can easily result in sliced hands and fingers and even deep cuts. Simply replacing steel
bands with plastics or tapes will prevent injuries and lost productivity while keeping packages and loads secure.

Machine Guarding

Machines expose workers to a variety of hazards as a result of their motions and actions. Mechanisms such as
meshing gears, cutting teeth, and moving belts can causing severe injuries to human skin without missing a beat.
Reciprocating and traversing motions and cutting and shearing actions can cause cuts, puncture wounds, and
lacerations.
Machinery also streamlines operations, increases productivity, and improves quality. Proper machine guarding
will allow you to reap these benefits while protecting your workers from home.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

OSHA has instituted general requirements to protect your workers from the loss of life and limb. Safeguarding
machines is essential to workplace safety, helping you avoid preventable injuries and the related costs and
downtime associated with accidents.
There are general requirements to ensure the safety of both machine operators and other employees in the
area. These requirements include:
⏹ Guards must not create potential hazards
⏹ Guards must be attached to the machine where possible
⏹ If guards cannot be attached to the machine, attach elsewhere
We’ll go more in-depth on machine safety and safeguarding in #6. Prevent Pinches, Nips, and Amputations.

Training

So often, safety and prevention come down to training. Even with the best equipment, ignorance can lead to
misuse and avoidable injuries. Ensuring that workers are properly trained on the use of knives, machines, hand
tools, and handheld power tools all help them avoid cuts, puncture wounds, and lacerations.

Page 9

HORIZON SOLUTIONS, A REXEL BANNER

#3. Prevent Electrocution, Shocks,
and Burns

CAUSES: Exposure to uncontrolled energy; Arc flash of arc blast

Electrocution, shocks, and burns from contact with live electricity or exposure to an arc flash of blast can result in
permanent injuries or death. Safety standards require personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and gloves
be provided by the employer along with an engineered electrical hazard assessment and proper labeling of any
equipment which may expose a worker to live conductors.

Electrical Safety

Electricity is one of the most dangerous—and fatal—workplace hazards, and it can impact people who don’t work
with it directly. OSHA’s quick card covers the following best practices:

⏹ No wire is safe. Assume that every wire is energized at a lethal voltage, even if it’s down or insulated.
⏹ Don’t touch fallen power lines. Leave them to the experts and report them to your local utility company.
⏹ Keep a safe distance. Stay ten feet or more away from clean-up and other activities involving electricity.

And when working at heights, survey the area for overhead wires.
⏹ Stay dry and avoid water. Never operate energized equipment when you are wet or standing in water.

And, when working in damp locations, inspect cords and equipment to ensure they are in good working
condition.
⏹ Leave repairs and inspections to the professionals. Electrical cord and equipment repairs should be left
to qualified, authorized individuals. And qualified electricians should inspect equipment that has gotten
wet before use.

Lockout/ Tagout

OSHA requires lockout/tagout programs consist of energy control procedures, employee training, and periodic
inspections. These three elements must come together to ensure that your employees are safe, preventing
injury, and even death. While that may sound simple, a typical program can have over 80 separate pieces. From
creating, maintaining, and updating equipment lists and hierarchies to task-specific procedures and workplace
regulations, there’s a lot that goes into an effective program.

Here are the key elements of a safe, successful lockout/tagout program:

Page 10

REXELUSA.COM
⏹ Documented Policy – Policies and procedures must be carefully documented and then disseminated

in an accessible format. Your lockout/tagout policies should establish and explain all elements of your
program.
⏹ Machine/Task-specific Procedures – You must formally document procedures for each piece of
equipment and the relevant work performed. These procedures should include the necessary steps to
control hazardous energy.
⏹ Marked Isolation Points – Isolation point verification is critical to any lockout/tagout program. Mark
these points with permanent, standardized labels and tags. And remember to be consistent.
⏹ Proper Devices – You need to use the best device to fit each lockout point. It’s important to select those
that are most appropriate and designed for your application(s).
⏹ Training – Lockout/tagout training should cover OSHA requirements as well as your custom elements,
such as machine- or task-specific procedures. You should also regularly communicate your processes and
policies and conduct periodic inspections.
⏹ Audits – Audits are a great opportunity to improve your program and promote safety. Use OSHA’s audit
practices as a guide and look at both performance and compliance for authorized employees, affected
employees, and other employees.
⏹ Sustainability – Maintaining a sustainable program will positively impact your safety culture and
reduce costs. Regular audits and annual reviews will ensure that your program evolves with your work
environment.

Page 11

HORIZON SOLUTIONS, A REXEL BANNER

Arc Flash Safety

Why should you be concerned about arc flash? Arc flash explosions are known to cause serious damage to your
facility and personnel. The arc causes an ionization of the air, and arc flash temperatures can reach as high as
35,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
An arc flash is a phenomenon where a flashover of electric current leaves its intended path and travels through
the air from one conductor to another or to ground. The results are often violent, and when a human is near the
arc flash, serious injury and even death can occur. A combination of proper analysis, labeling, personal protective
equipment and clothing, and training can prevent injuries and expensive equipment downtime caused by arc
flash events.

ARC FLASH TRAINING

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) section 70E regulations state that: anyone exposed to
electrical hazards must receive on the job or classroom training in the prevention and protection from arc flash
and arc blast hazards every three years or if it is shown through actions that re-training is required.
Many industrial facilities require their electrical workers and facility maintenance workers to take this training
annually. Electrical wiring methods, general electrical requirements, and lockout/tagout are consistently in
OSHA’s top 10 citations. Furthermore, electrical deaths continue to be in OSHA’s Fatal Four for causes of
deaths and injuries in the American workplace.

ARC FLASH PPE

NFPA 70E then defined four hazard risk categories that correlate to arc ratings. Each category from 1-4 has a
higher minimum standard for the protective gear that must be worn. As the hazard risk categories increase, so
does the level of protection that must be provided by the employer. Hand protection consists of voltage rated
gloves and protectors. These gloves require mandatory re-inspection every six months. Currently, at a minimum,
flame-resistant attire is mandated when any exposure will exceed 50 volts!

Page 12

REXELUSA.COM

ARC FLASH ASSESSMENT

It is impossible to define the category of exposure from an open circuit panel without doing an arc hazard
assessment. This is a calculation that includes the age and condition of the electrical service equipment along
with the voltage and amperage. NFPA regulations require that any non-residential structure have the hazard
risk calculation for any electrical exposure and that the panel or equipment be properly labeled with the energy
calculation, PPE required and that the boundary area is clearly marked. The electrical law of physics shows that
electricity will pass through the air attempting to find ground. It can pass through human tissue and can even
contain the explosive force of a military hand grenade!

Page 13

HORIZON SOLUTIONS, A REXEL BANNER

#4. Prevent Hearing Loss and
Auditory Damage

CAUSES: Loud noise levels; Lack of ear protection; Ototoxic chemicals

Hearing loss and auditory damage occur when exposure over time damages the inner tissues of the ears. Often
this damage does not show up until it is too late to repair. Hearing loss abatement, sound level testing, auditory
testing, and provision of noise reduction personal protection is a serious requirement by OSHA.

An Invisible Threat

All too often, when we think of workplace safety, we think in terms of the dangers we can see and visible injuries.
But noise can be just as damaging as a slippery floor, and its effects can last much longer. According to the
CDC, hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses. So, you must understand the hazards in
your workplace and use requisite safety gear.

⏹ A five-year study by the National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI) showed:
⏹ 22 million workers report exposure to hazardous noise in the workplace
⏹ High-risk occupations are most affected, including repair and maintenance and construction trades
⏹ 34% of the 22 million reported non-use of hearing protection devices

The Impact of Hearing Loss

In the short-term, exposure to loud noises without ear protection can interfere with communication, disrupt
concentration, reduce productivity, and cause stress—all of which impact overall workplace safety. The effects of
theses exposures may be:

⏹ Ringing or humming in your ears
⏹ Shoutin because you cannot hear yourself clearly
⏹ Temporary hearing loss
Prolonged exposure to loud noises kills the nerve endings in your inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss.
And hearing impairment can negatively impact the quality of life. Many sufferers report both physical and
psychological effects, including headaches, exhaustion, stress, and feelings of isolation.

Page 14

REXELUSA.COM

Proper Ear Protection

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit for noise
exposure is 85 decibels, A-weighted, as an eight-hour time-weighted average. The first step to preventing
hearing loss in the workplace is identifying when you need ear protection.
There are several types of ear protection available, depending on your needs, including:
⏹ Earplugs: Inserted in the ear canal, earplugs can be pre-molded (preformed) or moldable (foam

earplugs). And here are reusable, disposable and custom options.
⏹ Semi-insert earplugs: This type consists of two earplugs held over the ends of the ear canal by a

headband.
⏹ Earmuffs: This is an over-ear option with sound-attenuating material and soft cushions that fit around the

ear. The hard outer cups are held together by a headband.
Whenever hearing protection is required, there should be a workplace hearing loss prevention program in place.

Page 15

HORIZON SOLUTIONS, A REXEL BANNER

#5. Prevent Overexertion

CAUSES: Repetitive motion; Lack of ergonomic conditions; Improper movements and
positions; Heavy materials

Overexertion causing muscle and joint damage can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Preventing these
conditions with safety equipment and ergonomic workspaces can increase productivity, reduce injury rates, and
decrease workers’ comp claims. Employers can significantly decrease MSDs by taking proper safety measures,
including installing lift tables, rotating job tasks, and providing ergonomic equipment.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

MSDs are injuries and disorders that impact the body’s movement or musculoskeletal system. They are often
caused by improper lifting, overweight material handling, repetitive motion, improper ergonomic workspace
arrangement.
Work-related MSDs occur when the physical capabilities of the worker do not match the physical requirements
of the job. Prolonged exposure to ergonomic risk factors can cause damage to a worker’s body and lead to
musculoskeletal disorders. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), MSDs account for nearly 70M
doctor visits in the United States annually and an estimated 130 million total health care encounters, including
outpatient, hospital, and emergency room visits. And the median time away from work for an MSD is eight days.

Page 16

REXELUSA.COM

Recognize Risk Factors

Musculoskeletal disorders can affect nearly all tissue in the body: nerves, tendons, tendon sheaths, and muscles.
The most frequently affected areas of the body are the arms and back. There are many motions and positions
that can cause musculoskeletal disorders, including:
⏹ Exerting excessive force
⏹ Repetition of movements
⏹ Awkward postures, or unsupported positions
⏹ Static postures or positions a worker must hold for an extended period
⏹ Quick motions, such as bending and twisting
⏹ Compression from grasping sharp edges
⏹ Vibration
⏹ Cold temperatures
⏹ Inadequate recovery time due to overtime

Identifying Potential Issues

OSHA continues to cite ergonomic injuries under the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and
Health Act, Section 5. All employees are covered by OSHA under this section.
To identify risk factors in your workspaces, make sure you familiarize yourself with common musculoskeletal
disorder signs and symptoms and the risk factors and work activities associated with them. Then evaluate job
tasks and note those that require manual handling, heavy lifting, twisting movements, or long hours of working
in awkward positions. If any task results in numbness of the fingers or thighs, difficulty moving fingers, stiff joints,
and/or back pain, there is a risk of developing an MSD.
While there are no specific training requirements for ergonomics, employees who have been trained to identify
and avoid ergonomic hazards are better able to avoid these hazards and maintain a safer work environment.

Page 17

HORIZON SOLUTIONS, A REXEL BANNER

#6. Prevent Pinches, Nips, and
Amputations

CAUSES: Unguarded machines, Improper procedures, Untrained workers

Pinch and nip injuries and amputations in the workplace are often the result of untrained machine operators,
improper or missing lockout/tagout procedures, and machine guarding that has been field modified, removed,
or improperly mounted. These horrific injuries can permanently damage a worker.

Evaluate, Implement, and Train

According to OSHA, 18,000 workers suffer lacerations, abrasions, crushing injuries, and amputations each year
as the result of machinery. And there are and over 800 deaths. Taking the time to understand the risks and
ensuring your machine safety program meets or exceeds machine guarding regulations can save lives. OSHA-
mandated standards must be implemented, such as annual lockout/tagout audits (addressed in #3 Prevent
Electrocution, Shocks, and Burns), documented training, machinery reviews, and regular supervision of tasks.

Safeguarding Requirements

At a minimum, machine guarding should:

⏹ Prevent Contact – An adequate guarding system prevents contact with or close proximity to hazardous
moving parts.

⏹ Be Secure – Guards should be durable and firmly affixed to prevent removal and tampering and mitigate
wear and tear.

⏹ Protect from Falling Objects – It should not be possible for objects to fall into moving parts, which can
create dangerous projectiles.

⏹ Create No New Hazards – Guards should not have sharp, jagged edges or unfinished surfaces that can
cause injuries.

⏹ Create No Interference – Guards should not prevent workers from performing tasks quickly and
comfortably. Safeguards should enhance efficiency.

⏹ Allow Safe Maintenance – Whenever possible, machines should be able to be maintained and serviced
without removing safeguards.

Page 18

REXELUSA.COM

Basic Machine Guarding Standards

Here are some basic standards to keep in mind:
⏹ Belts, blades, and chains should have no more than a half-inch exposed.
⏹ Grinders should have no more than an eighth of an inch between the wheel and the tool rest.
⏹ Screen type guarding should have no opening greater than a half-inch.
⏹ Rollers, pulleys, belts, chains, and gears must be guarded along with their entire access.

Visit Our Blog Machine Guarding Saves Life and Limb: In manufacturing facilities, machine guarding is critical
to workplace safety Exposure to inadequately guarded machines can result in crippling injuries. According to
OSHA, 18,000 workers suffer lacerations, abrasions, crushing injuries, and amputations each year as the result of
machinery. And there are and over 800 deaths.
Taking the time to understand the risks and ensuring your machine safety program meets or exceeds machine
guarding regulations can save lives.
Page 19

HORIZON SOLUTIONS, A REXEL BANNER

#7. Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

CAUSES: Slick surfaces; Walkway obstructions, Lack of protective equipment; Improper
ladder usage

Slips, trips, and falls are commonly caused by wet, oily, or messy workplaces. Sorbents, matting, and
housekeeping can prevent such injuries. And fall arrest equipment and training are critical when working at
height, and ladder safety is also critical in providing a safe workplace.

Five Steps to Minimize Risks

#1. GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING

⏹ Ensure your workplace is kept clean and sanitary
⏹ Keep floor areas clean and dry
⏹ Keep walkways, stairways, and paths clear of debris and refuse
⏹ Be sure rugs or matting is secure with edges and corners flat on the floor
⏹ Winter ice should be addressed immediately
⏹ Water and spills should be cleaned up or the area marked off until cleared

#2. AISLES AND PASSAGEWAYS

⏹ Clear the area of hazardous obstructions
⏹ Be sure to label permanent aisles and passageways properly
⏹ Each aisle must be wide enough for PITs (Powered Industrial Trucks) or handling equipment
⏹ The minimum requirement for emergency route walkways is 28 inches

#3. COVERS AND GUARDRAILS

⏹ Provide covers, shields, and/or guardrails to protect workers from exposures to hazards of open pits, tanks,
vats, ditches, or similar structures

⏹ Protect workers performing or exposed to “hot work,” generating welding or grinding sparks, riveting
projectiles, and light

Page 20

REXELUSA.COM

#4. STAIR STANDARDS

⏹ Stairs must be provided where regular access is required to move from one level to another and must be
constructed to carry five times the anticipated live load and never less than a 1,000lb load

⏹ Fixed stairs should have a minimum width of 22 inches. If tread is present, it should be constructed out of
reasonably non-slip material or coating

#5. RAILING STANDARDS

⏹ Railings and toe boards must be used (regardless of height) to guard: open-sided floors, walkways, platforms, and
runways above or adjacent to dangerous equipment.

Ladder Safety Overview

OSHA’s walking and working surface safety regulations include working from ladders. One of the most popular
workplace tools in both construction and industry can often pose a safety risk when used incorrectly. According
to OSHA, slips, trips, and falls continue to be the number one cause of workplace injuries, with almost 30% of
workplace injuries attributed to them.

Many of these workplace accidents involve falls from ladders. And all these falls could and should have been
prevented by following safe practices, including:

⏹ Select the right ladder for the job
⏹ Don’t overreach
⏹ Maintain three points of contact
⏹ Face the ladder when climbing and working
⏹ Ladders are designed for one person at a time
⏹ Use step ladders as intended
⏹ Mind limits for extension ladders
⏹ Beware of electrical contact
⏹ Keep hands free for climbing
⏹ Inspect ladder condition regularly
⏹ Tether stored ladders
⏹ Get vertical ladders inspected

Page 21

HORIZON SOLUTIONS, A REXEL BANNER

Fall Prevention Training

Employers must provide a training program for every employee exposed to fall hazards. The training must be
taught by a qualified person and address the following:

⏹ Nature of fall hazards in the work area
⏹ Correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting the fall protection systems to

be used
⏹ Use and operation of guardrail systems
⏹ Personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, warning line systems, and safety monitoring systems
⏹ Controlled access zones

Fall Protection Basics

#1. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

All falls are preventable if you engineer the risk out. We can generally classify safety management systems into
passive and active.

⏹ Passive systems include guardrails, scaffolding, limiting lanyards, etc. to prevent a fall from occurring.
⏹ Active systems include safety nets, personal fall arrest gear, harnesses, etc. to prevent an impact should a

fall occur.
⏹ Other options include sky lifts, bucket lifts, scissor lifts, mobile ladders, and rolling ladders.
Each of these options has its subset of best practices as well as formally published guidelines.

#2. THE ABCS, AND THE RS, OF FALL PROTECTION

Appropriate personal fall protection systems (PPE gear) must be available and in use. Here’s a quick look at the
ABCs of fall protection:

⏹ Anchor: How is your lanyard attached and secured to a structural point? Who inspects that structural
point? Who installs the attachment?

⏹ Body: Does your team have harnesses readily available that fit properly? Do they know how to properly
don their gear and use it throughout a workday? Are they wearing it all the time or just sometimes?

⏹ Connector: What types of hardware connect a user to a lanyard and/or connect a lanyard to an anchor
point?

Page 22

REXELUSA.COM
⏹ Retrieval and Rescue: A person fell, but they didn’t hit the ground. How will you rescue and retrieve them

safely? Do you have trauma straps?
And don’t forget I is for Inspection. Is all your fall protection equipment inspected annually by a competent
person?

#3. JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

A JHA is a job hazard analysis. Look at the situation, determine how to do it safely. The goal is to develop,
implement, and enforce a safety and health program that addresses hazard recognition and avoidance of unsafe
conditions.
A JHA (also known as a fall protection plan) is required whenever a worker is working at height. Government
regulations require written plans be available to all workers. The plan must be available at the worksite before
work where there is a potential for a fall. Workers affected by the fall protection plan must be trained in all its
elements, including the rescue plan.

Page 23

HORIZON SOLUTIONS, A REXEL BANNER

#8. Prevent Struck-By, Caught-
Between, and Crushing Injuries

CAUSES: Overloaded racking; Improper anchoring of scaffolds; Poorly set up kick plates on
mezzanines, forklifts, and powered industrial trucks

Struck-by, caught-between, crushing injuries are often the result of lack of training or supervision or carelessness
or complacency by workers. Ongoing training, awareness reminders, signage, and documentation of safety
checklists help to abate these hazards.

Struck-By

According to OSHA, injuries produced by forcible contact or impact with an object or piece of equipment are
called “struck-by.” Struck-by hazards fall into the following categories:

⏹ Struck-by a flying object
⏹ Struck-by a falling object
⏹ Struck-by a swinging object
⏹ Struck-by a rolling object
Proper equipment installation and maintenance can prevent such injuries on job sites.

Caught-Between

OHSA defines “caught-between” injuries as those resulting from being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or
compressed between parts of an object. Some examples of how caught-between injuries can occur include:

⏹ Caught between a vehicle and an object
⏹ Pinched between equipment and a structure
⏹ Caught between a load that fell off a trailer and forklift
Compliant safeguards and proper safety practices can prevent such injuries in the workplace.

Crushing

With “crushing” or “caught-in” injuries can be similar to those from caught-between hazards and can also result
in suffocation. Potential crushing hazards include:

Page 24

REXELUSA.COM
⏹ Machinery with unguarded moving parts
⏹ Materials that may shift or collapse
⏹ Situations where workers may become pinned between objects
Proper equipment installation and maintenance can prevent such injuries on job sites. And compliant safeguards
and proper safety practices are critical for prevention.

Two of the Fatal Four

Struck by Objects and Caught-in/Between are two of types of accidents on OSHA’s Fatal Four list. Preventing
these kinds of incidents can save lives, keeping workers healthy and whole.

Page 25

HORIZON SOLUTIONS, A REXEL BANNER

SAFETY IS PREVENTION

Products, services, and training to promote safety compliance.

As an employer, you must identify hazards in your workplace and take steps to eliminate or minimize them.
Workplace safety training provides your employees with the knowledge and skills they need to protect
equipment, facilities and, most importantly, each other. Safety not only ensures that all your workers return home
safe and healthy every day—it increases brand reputation, improves efficiency and worker morale, and ultimately
saves you money.

If you want to start a safety program or boost an existing one, give us a call at (800) 724-4750. We have safety
specialists, authorized OSHA Outreach Instructors on staff, and offer a range of resources to support you as
you develop a more efficient and safer workplace.

Safety Services

⏹ Plant Hazard Assessment
⏹ Annual Lockout / Tagout Audits
⏹ LOTO Consulting & Implementation
⏹ Confined Space Requirements
⏹ Fall Protection Competency & Inspection
⏹ Conformity Audits
⏹ Machine Safety
⏹ Safety Circuit Analysis
⏹ Arc Flash Studies & Remediation
⏹ Comprehensive Workplace Safety Training & Prevention Programs
⏹ And More

Safety Products and Gear

⏹ Arc Flash PPE & Clothing
⏹ Cleanroom Supplies & Equipment
⏹ Lockout Tagout
⏹ Machine Guarding
⏹ Fall Protection

Page 26

REXELUSA.COM

⏹ Respiratory Protection
⏹ Eye & Face Protection
⏹ Facility Marking & Signs
⏹ Hand, Head, & Hearing Protection
⏹ Floor Mats
⏹ Sorbents
⏹ And More

Training and Prevention Programs

⏹ Arc Flash Safety Awareness
⏹ Arc Hazard Prevention & Protection
⏹ Lockout / Tagout Awareness
⏹ OSHA Electrical Hazards, 29 CFR 1910, Subchapter S
⏹ Fall Protection Awareness – anchor, body, connections, and rescue (ABC-R)
⏹ Fall Protection Inspectors
⏹ Fall Protection Competent Person
⏹ Wind Energy Fall Protection
⏹ Machine Standards
⏹ Machine Guarding
⏹ Ergonomics Awareness – avoiding repetitive motion injuries and relieve strain
⏹ Eye Protection 101 & RX Eyewear Solutions
⏹ Virtual Classroom – Machine Functional Safety and ISO 13849 System Design: Risk Assessment
⏹ Hearing Protection
⏹ Respiratory Protection
⏹ Sorbents
⏹ Spill Protection
⏹ Welding Safety
⏹ And we can create a curriculum that meets your specific needs

Contact us today to learn more about our workplace safety solutions:
[email protected]

Page 27

Email: [email protected] www.Rexelusa.com

©2023 Horizon Solutions, a Rexel Banner. All Rights Reserved. All supplier trademarks are the property of their respective owners. – 1/5/2023