Introduction With the recent publishing of the new ANSI/ASSE Z359 family of standards, many forward-thinking companies are adopting elements of the standard to create a safer work environment. Specifically, the ANSI/ASSE Z359.2 standard titled "Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program" provides valuable guidance to companies regarding the key elements of a successful program.
The program elements outlined in the ANSI/ASSE Z359.2 include:-Policies, duties and training
-Fall protection procedures
-Eliminating and controlling fall hazards
-Rescue procedures
-Incident investigations
-Evaluating program effectiveness.
These elements are foundational for creating a program that reduces risk and enhances employee safety. When one or more of these elements is missing, a program can become stalled or be deemed ineffective.
After a review of key points form the ANSI Z359 standard, a case study is included in this paper to demonstrate some of these fundamental program elements in a real world setting. In 2002, Marathon Pipe Line LLC's (MPL) network of facilities launched a multi-year fall protection program that included fall hazard identification at 42 unique locations. Work continues with this program as fall hazards are being evaluated and abated over a planned timeframe.
Policies, Duties and Training While overall workplace fatalities decreased 12 percent from 1995 to 2007, fatalities due to falls increased approximately 30 percent. In that same time period, the sale of personal protective equipment for fall protection has doubled. Why is this happening?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is typically grounded in flaws or inadequacies in most employers' policies, duties and training programs. For example:The company policy on fall protection is not clearly stated nor adhered to
The roles and responsibilities within the program are not properly defined
Workers and supervisors are expected to do their jobs safely without proper training
While the OSHA regulations are legal requirements to be followed, an effective policy statement provides overall program guidance and "…emphasizes management's commitment to providing a safe workplace for employees exposed to fall hazards," (ANSI/ASSE Z359.2, Section 3.11).
The Z359.2 standard explicitly outlines the specific duties of employers. These duties, as referenced in Exhibit 1, include providing sufficient resources to support the program and naming a program administrator to lead the initiative. Additionally, the standard states that employers are responsible for identifying and abating hazards in the workplace, developing and maintaining fall protection and rescue procedures, and properly training authorized and competent persons.
(Exhibit in full paper)
The standard contains a great deal of content regarding the training needed for each role in the program. Some highlights of the training requirements include:
Program Administrator Training