Fall Protection Program Related To Scaffolds - Research Proposal Example

The paper "Fall Protection Program Related To Scaffolds" is an excellent example of a research proposal on human resources. The BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) recapitulates that America loses more than 750 construction workers annually with 35% of the fatalities resulting from hazards associated with working from or underneath outrigger, window jack, ladder jack, platform, catenary and bricklayers scaffolds (Oregon, 2013). Developing and implementing a suitable fall protection plan will inexorably plummet deaths and injuries in the construction industry and guarantee that construction workers operate in a safe environment.

Case summary A painter falls from scaffolds while working on the walls of Marinablue building in Miami, 10 feet above the ground. The worker died while workers who were bricklaying beneath the scaffold sustained sombre injuries.Falls in the construction industry Between 2008 and 2013, 25% of the disastrous falls in the construction sector were from roofs, scaffolding contributed to 18%, ladders 16% while structural steel and girders contributed to 8% (Gagnet, 2000). The remaining 25% of lethal falls were falls from aerial lifts, nonmoving trucks and existing floor openings.

Common scaffoldings in the construction industry Supported scaffolding; is the most cost-effective, safest and convenient. Reduces falls risks by 65% (Keller, 2013). Swing stage or suspended scaffolding; used where it is impractical to construct a base. Increases risks of falls by approximately seventy-two per cent (Keller, 2013). Rolling scaffolding; slightly supported but uses caster style wheels that permit its movement. Shrinks fall risks by 43.25%(Keller, 2013). Causative factors Bad scaffold construction and poorly placed and anchored toeboards (Design defects); the 2x10 plank scaffolds were poorly laid increasing the peril of collapsing while the constructors beneath it were unaware of the predominant vulnerabilities (Baldwin, 2002).

Poor fall arrest systems; the scaffold was not attached to the horizontal or vertical lifeline by use of resilient lanyards. Unprotected sides; according to Gagnet (2000), guardrails should be placed at all sides and ends of the platform before erecting the scaffold and detached only when dismantling or after dismantling the scaffold. Fall protection program Correctly construct scaffolds using tough materials and notify all constructors about its existence as well as earmarking the platform (HSIAO, 2003).

Erecting toeboards along all edges of the scaffold and barricade the area under the scaffolds- tensile strength of approximately 5000+ pounds (Ohdo et al., 2011). To safeguard the constructors working below the scaffolds, “use panelling or screening erected from the toeboard or platform to the top of the guardrail to prevent falling objects” (Ohdo et al., 2011). Constructors working from the scaffolds or the surrounding areas should wear hard hats that will barricade any injuries caused by falling objects (Ziebell et al., 2002). Properly fitting fall arrest harness inevitably reduces injuries that can be sustained when a worker falls from scaffolds.

Conclusion Avoidable deaths are depriving the construction industry unconstrained talents and capabilities due to the negligence of contractors and constructors (HSIAO, 2003). Having an appropriate program aimed at reducing scaffold associated falls substantively reduces the risk of acceleration and impact injuries. Proper fall protection program moderates traumatic occupational deaths resulting from falling from scaffolds. Employees should not risk the health of workers as they strive to minimize the huge costs associated with building and construction.