A new website that provides
details about the fall protection equipment highlighted in OSHA’s Guidance
Document for Residential Construction is now available. According to Dr. Vicki
Kaskutas, a researcher from Washington University School of Medicine who developed
the website, over 150 fall prevention devices from 26 manufacturers are in
described in detail in this resource. The website includes both conventional
methods of fall protection (guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, and safety
nets) and other equipment (scaffolds, lifts, hole covers, and ladder
accessories) that can be used to prevent falls in residential construction. Picture
of devices are demonstrated on a gallery page, allowing users to quickly find a
device that could be used in their specific building situation (picture 1). For
each device, a description or purpose is listed as well as the stage of
construction where the device could be used (installing floor joists, walls,
floor sheathing, windows/doors, roof sheathing, roof shingling, and siding).
The device page also demonstrates pictures of the device in use, installation
instructions, manufacturer, vendors, and cost. Links to the manufacturer,
installation instructions, and videos are provided if they are available (picture
2).
When a large number of devices
were available with similar characteristics, devices were chosen that
demonstrate distinct features identified by an advisory panel of experts. User
testing was recently completed with residential construction workers, safety
personnel, trainers, and contractors. Feedback has been overwhelmingly
positive; most users reported that the website increased their awareness of
fall prevention devices and may impact future use of fall protection. The website
will be linked to websites of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health, National Fall Prevention Campaign, OSHA, National Safety Council,
Construction Safety Council, in addition to other national and regional
agencies and organizations. It will also be available in print. Website development was supported by the Center for
Construction Research and Training through the National Institute of
Occupational Safety cooperative agreement OH009762.
Please visit the website at http://www.ot.wustl.edu/fptech/homepage.htm. After spending some time on the website, complete
the short web-based survey to help evaluate the effectiveness of this online
resource. Then pass along the link through in your communications with
colleagues!
