Safety Focus Fragmentation

Focus Fragmentation

Safety Officers and Professionals experience difficulty in correctly focussing on critical safety areas.  The safety officers, only to appease themselves and management adopt a blanket general approach.  This blanket approach can lead to a less than satisfactory approach to eliminating hazards and preventing accidents.  There is a tendency to subscribe to OSHA updates and specifications thus interpreting what is either, not permissible and what is permissible. Not what is necessarily BEST!

Short-term gratification then gives way to long-term compliance; the policy appears fragmented and non- cohesive.  Problems and incidents appear through the cracks and the organization is left pondering its own fate and direction.

By examining an aspect of Safety Management (Working@Heights) we can highlight the first domino in the chain.  Safety Audits highlight disparate areas and shortcomings and lead to a reactive approach.  Do not be reactive!

Working @ Heights

1.       Start by defining every single instance of elevated work (not just those 6” or 2m from the ground)

2.       Research as much as one can on each aspect of your defined elevated work. Compile notes.  Unit Standards- ANSI Specs – Whatever legislated prescription that is available.

3.       Prepare a comprehensive Fall Protection Plan – Focussed on each elevated work task, not just a blanket approach.  Do not forget to include ALL equipment specifications.

4.       Supplement the Fall Protection Plan with an exacting and accurate Rescue Plan, one cannot use generalized terms and references, it must be achievable and attainable without any delay and/or hindrance.

5.       Thrash out the draft with senior management and engineers.

6.       Present the revised draft to the persons responsible for working at height.

7.       Sit once again with management and their team.  (Review)

8.       Train every worker – Keep record and assessment results.

9.       Stick it in the Induction Program

1.   Stick it into the Company Policy File

1.   Ensure contractors receive a copy and present their OWN Fall Protection Plan

1.   Review Annually

Now your focus is no more a fragmented one, the lengthy process may seem onerous, yet the satisfaction of unveiling possible low focus and grey areas makes it worthwhile. One cannot operate outside of a fall protection plan.