WARM WEATHER SAFETY
the most common causes of damage to fall protection harnesses, especially during the summertime months.
UV exposure is inevitable while working outside, and workers should be vigilant when inspecting any fall protection equipment with fabric components. Fall protection harnesses will stretch or elongate during fall arrest to absorb some fall forces, but if exposed to too much UV radiation, the fabric material will begin losing its elastic properties. If it becomes too brittle, the user risks their harness breaking during a fall and being ejected from their personal fall protection system.
It is common to find workers simply throwing harnesses in the back of a pickup truck or hanging them on a passenger seat when they are done, but that is not best practice.
Once elevated work is complete, users are advised to store their harnesses in a cool, dark and dry area to protect the equipment. If workers are in doubt, they should consult their user manual to ensure they store the equipment according to the manufacturer’ s specifications. Not only will following the manufacturer’ s instructions protect the longevity and integrity of the product, but it is also an OSHA requirement.
Conclusion
While the fundamental principles of fall protection and best practices that can keep workers safe do not differ much between the seasons, summertime can bring additional factors that can risk worker safety. When the weather is warmer, workers should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks and try to limit working when excessive heat conditions are present.
Falls are the most common cause of injury and fatality in the construction industry, and more falls are occurring each year— according to data from the BLS. If productivity is anticipated to increase during summer, employers are encouraged to use their downtime to train employees and prepare training materials so elevated work can be performed safely.
If organizations need assistance with their annual inspections, training employees or ensuring their fall protection programs are OSHA & ANSI Z359 compliant, they should contact their equipment manufacturers or other fall protection partners.
Philip Jacklin is the continuing education program manager for Diversified Fall Protection. He is an AIA continuing ed provider, QSSP certified, OSHA-30 trained, and has been a partner to the fall protection industry since 2018. Jacklin has a background in worker advocacy, team leadership, and fostering camaraderie among peers. He enjoys playing music, writing, and spending time in the sunshine with his family in Virginia Beach.
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Telecom & Utility Construction | Spring 2025