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.
