Work-related dangers haunt the oil industry, especially within refineries. Employees usually have to access elevated platforms to install, run, repair, or maintain production facilities. They also have to deal with working in a facility that is structurally complex and frequently full of changes in elevation and other fall hazards.
Furthermore, refineries contend with slippery and grimy workspaces, escalating the potential fall risk. That’s why OSHA requires all employers in this industry to focus on oil refinery safety and install fall protection systems around ladders (such as a ladder safety gate) and other fall risks to ensure the safety of employees who work daily in these hazard prone work environments.
Below we will discuss the areas in which ladder fall protection is absolutely necessary in refineries, as well as the types of fall protection systems that work best in these areas.
Ways OSHA-Compliant Safety Equipment Can Reduce Risk for Both Employees and Your Facility
2017 saw an increase in the number of workers in the refinery industry- which led to a spike in work-related accidents. Falls, trips, and slips led the pack of top hazards by a whopping 82%. Safety equipment that meets OSHA standards help mitigate these problems, which in turn help keep your faculties running efficiently. The following are some of the ways OSHA-compliant fall protection systems meet this need:
> Reduce Bodily Injury
Falls from ladders lead to various serious physical injuries. OSHA-Compliant safety equipment like a ladder safety gate, fall arrest systems, and safety cages helps prevent these falls. And in some cases if a fall does happen, the injuries won’t be as severe as if the employee hadn’t used the equipment.
> Increase Work Efficiency
By keeping workers safe and work environments up to date on OSHA standards, your facility runs less of a risk of an injury that can slow or shut down production. In the event of an injury from a fall, work efficiency and productivity is sacrificed, meaning deadlines get missed. And couple this with bringing in replacement staff that require training, the rippling results of an avoidable injury are a wrench in the machine of your refinery’s productivity.
> Save You Money
Having OSHA-compliant fall protection solutions like safety gates for ladders installed in your facility will end up saving the company money in the long run. These measures will help you avoid being penalized by OSHA, reduce the need for an employee to take time off because of an injury, and hopefully eliminate any potential lawsuits connected to a fall accident.
Best Ladder Fall Protection
So, how can you boost your workers’ safety when climbing ladders and accessing elevated platforms? First, ensure every hazard area has OSHA-compliant fall protection systems in place to protect against falls. Then, provide free and continuous training to every worker to help them understand how to use ladders and oil refinery safety equipment.
The most common types of ladder fall protection equipment are:
- Ladder Safety System: These fall protection solutions usually included a vertical lifeline constructed of cable or rail, which affixes to a fixed ladder and connects to a safety harness via a lanyard. These allow safe traversal of a ladder by employees in refineries and other industries.
- Ladder Safety Gate: Designed to be used in connection with a guardrail system, a ladder safety gate protects employees from falling down an open ladder from the floor above, while still providing access to the ladder when needed. Typically self-closing, safety gates for ladders come in a variety of sizes and materials and should meet OSHA requirements.
- Personal Fall Arrest System: Like a ladder safety gate, these systems are made to protect workers from falling into a ladderway from above. But instead of being a passive, installed system, this solution typically includes a harness and lanyard combo, which must manually be attached to a guardrail or other anchor by the worker themselves.
Why You Need Robust Ladder Fall Protection
OSHA-compliant fall protection solutions prevent your employees from falling off the ladder or into the ladderway. Installing them also shows your commitment to OSHA safety rules and helps you keep fines at bay.
At the same time, safety equipment gives workers peace of mind when working at heights. The result is confidence and a sense of security, leading to skyrocketing productivity. They’ll go about their tasks without worrying about lurking dangers.
Pick the Right Safety Gate with the Right Provider
Selecting the right safety gates for ladders is your first step towards prioritizing oil refinery safety and being OSHA-compliant in this area. But the hunt for a reliable provider can be harrowing.
That’s where Fabenco comes to your rescue. We offer long-lasting and secure fall protection solutions to refineries. Our team is ready to help you secure your ladders and advise you on any additional protection solution you need. Contact us today and learn how we are an excellent fit for your company.
