Fall Prevention Website for Residential Construction

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!