Employee Role in Safety

As an employee in a high-risk industry, you need to be aware of your many roles in maintaining worksite safety:

• Understand your company's written fall protection plan.
• Attend and participate in fall prevention training. Your employer is required to provide you with training if you are exposed to fall hazards. You must be trained to recognize the hazards of falling and what to do to minimize fall hazards. You must also be trained before working on scaffolds and ladders.
• Use fall protection equipment if required for the job. Be sure the equipment is right for the task, fits properly, and is in good condition.
• Inspect fall protection equipment and devices before each use.
• Make sure that floor holes, open shafts, and riser penetrations are protected by sturdy guardrails or covers.
• Get specialized training before working on scaffolds, lifts, or ladders.
• When using scaffolds, make sure there is proper access, full planking, stable footing, and guard railing.
• Keep your feet firmly on the platform on a boom lift and tie-off at all times.
• Choose the correct ladder for the task, read the instructions, and be sure that the ladder is in good condition. Check for surrounding hazards, stable footing, and the proper angle.
• Identify skylights and make sure they are properly protected.
• Contact your supervisor if you see fall hazards or have any questions about fall prevention. Do not work until unsafe conditions have been corrected.

To learn more about Focus Four Safety visit our Construction Focus Four Safety Online Training web page.