According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 680 workers died from falling to a lower level in 2021 alone. This is the 4th highest death toll from falls to a lower level since 2014. So, OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) has launched a national emphasis program on fall prevention, which will help combat “one of the most preventable and significant causes of workplace fatalities, per OSHA Assistant Secretary, Doug Park.
Fall accidents are far too common for workers. It’s a preventable problem that comes from missing guard rails and/or faulty protection. That is why it’s important to not only have those safety railings but to have the proper railings as well.
Per OSHA, proper roof top protection railing must meet several safety standards, including the following:
Employers shall provide and install all fall protection systems required by this subpart for an employee, and shall comply with all other pertinent requirements of this subpart before that employee begins the work that necessitates the fall protection. (1926.502(a)(2))
Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of this paragraph. (1926.502(b)(1))
Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge. (1926.502(b)(3))
For the full list of OSHA regulations for fall protection railing, visit OSHA.gov.
So, where do you go to find OSHA compliant fall protection guard rails? Well, if you’re looking for safety compliance and an American-made product with years and years of success, look no further than Ideal Shield’s Roof Fall Protection Railing.
Available in multiple styles, the Fall Protection Railing is a free-standing modular system that is designed for proper protection and an ease of installation on the user. The railing ships fully assembled and includes non-penetrating weighted base plates that will eliminate roof top damage while maintaining the required strength level to properly protect roof top workers.
The Fall Protection Railing is suited for any roof top protection needs. That includes for roof top or edge work as well pedestrian access areas like at apartment buildings or office buildings.
Need specific dimensions or layouts for your roof top? No problem. Ideal Shield’s engineering team will work with you to meet your exact specifications. Mobile Parapet Barriers, Warning Line Systems, and Custom Gates are available as well.
Contact the experienced Ideal Shield today to learn more about the Roof Fall Protection Railing and how it can help protect your workers and prevent future falls and fatalities.