Preventing Falls: a Necessary Step for Industrial Companies

For many companies, their chief concerns lie in the latest efforts from the competition, the implementation of new technologies, or how a dazzling advertising campaign will help them win new customers. And there’s nothing wrong with that. However, for industrial companies, there are generally more physical concerns that have a direct impact on their day-to-day work, not least of which is worker safety.

Within the world of worker safety, the potential hazards employees face are varied. However, one threat in particular, stands out above the rest: the risk of a serious fall. Failure to prevent these injuries can result in serious problems for a company, but thankfully, prevention isn’t as difficult as you might think.

Fall Prevention

Protecting your workers from slip and fall injuries starts with adhering to best safety practices. For example, installing a guard railing system to ensure all your safety compliance standards for fall restraint are met is a cost-effective solution that greatly reduces the risk of a serious fall.

Many modern guard rail systems are highly versatile, easily adapted for installation on flat roofs or raised platforms and walkways without the need for perforation or complex installation. Rather, these railings use a heavy-duty rubber base that holds the railing firmly in place. This also allows the railings to be moved or altered when necessary to better meet the safety needs of your company.

In addition to implementing guard rails and other safety equipment, you can reduce the likelihood of slip and fall accidents by establishing a safety-conscious culture in your company. By establishing and enforcing safety guidelines for your employees, you can reduce risky behavior and increase the effectiveness of your safety equipment.

Why Make Fall Prevention a Priority?

There are several reasons to make fall prevention a top priority for your company. Naturally, there are several legal implications for companies that fail to do so. For example, in Quebec, buildings above ten feet in height where workers have access to the roof are required by law to have a guardrail. Companies that fail to comply with these guidelines may be subjected to fines of up to $30,000 from the city.

Even in areas where there aren’t such regulations, failure to install guard rails and other vital safety equipment could result in your company facing a hefty lawsuit if a worker experiences a serious fall-related injury. If a court finds that the accident would have been prevented if safety equipment had been in place, you could be held liable for damages and be forced to pay a significant settlement.

Of course, legal ramifications shouldn’t be your sole motive for making fall prevention a priority. After all, investing in the safety of your workers is the morally right thing to do. It’s a way of showing that you care about your employees’ well-being. And that is something that can pay off in much greater ways than simply avoiding a legal fiasco.

After all, when you show your employees that you care, they are much more likely to want to give you their best effort. Even more importantly, they become even more motivated to continue working for your company, rather than seeking employment elsewhere. These factors alone can help your company achieve greater levels of productivity and profit—the proper reward for companies who treat their employees right.

In conclusion

While not every company will need to worry about fall prevention, those that have this concern would do well to make it a priority. Even the seemingly minor step of installing up-to-date guard rail systems to protect your employees can ultimately make a huge difference in your company’s ability to retain workers and achieve a successful future.