# May 2023

# Toolbox Talk - 5.01.2023 - Fall Protection Harnesses

**<span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Montserrat;">Fall Protection Harnesses Toolbox Talk</span>**

<span style="font-family:Montserrat;"> </span>

<span style="font-family:Montserrat;"><span> </span>Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. Almost every workday, somewhere in the United States, a construction worker dies as a result of a fall.</span>

<span style="font-family:Montserrat;"> </span>

**<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Montserrat;">When am I at risk?</span>**

**<span style="font-size:4pt;font-family:Montserrat;"> </span>**

<span style="font-family:Montserrat;">If you are working more than 6 feet above the lower working surface and not protected by some form of fall protection; such as guardrails, safety nets, or fall arrest system.</span>

<span style="font-family:Montserrat;"><span>**<span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Montserrat;">What does a Personal Fall Arrest System consist of?</span>** </span></span>

<span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Montserrat;">Fall protection harness<span> </span></span>

<span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Montserrat;">Lanyard</span>

<span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Montserrat;">Anchor point</span>

**<span style="font-family:Montserrat;color:#FF0000;">You are not safe from a fall unless you tie off.</span>**

**<span style="font-family:Montserrat;color:#FF0000;"> </span>**![](https://safety.scswiderski.net/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/embedded-image-pidh8tkx.png)

**<span style="font-size:14pt;font-family:Montserrat;">To stop a fatal fall…</span>**

**<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Montserrat;"><span>1.<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Montserrat;">Wear a full body harness.</span>**

<span style="font-family:Montserrat;">A proper fall protection harness has straps worn around the trunk and <a name="_Hlk133504092"></a>thighs. If you fall, it will distribute “stopping force across your thighs, pelvis, chest, and shoulders to prevent severe injury.</span>

**<span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Montserrat;"><span>2.<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Montserrat;">Inspect your harness.</span>**

**<span style="font-family:Montserrat;color:#FF0000;">It must be worn properly and be in good condition.</span>**

<span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Montserrat;">Check for worn or damaged straps, buckles, D-ring, and lines.</span>

<span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Montserrat;">Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you put on your harness.</span>

<span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Montserrat;">Make sure all straps are fastened and adjusted correctly.</span>

<span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;line-height:107%;font-family:Montserrat;">Don’t start work until you are satisfied with the condition and fit of your fall protection harness.</span>

**<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Montserrat;"><span>3.<span style="font:7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Montserrat;">Make sure you are connected.</span>**

<span style="font-family:Montserrat;">Your lanyard should be attached to the D-ring on your fall arrest harness, then anchored securely to an anchor point. Ask your supervisor if your anchor point can sustain the load without failure. </span>

<span style="font-size:5pt;font-family:Montserrat;"> </span>

**<span style="font-family:Montserrat;color:#FF0000;">Guardrails are not anchor points.</span>**

<span style="font-family:Montserrat;">![](https://safety.scswiderski.net/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/embedded-image-8qcj485w.png)![](https://safety.scswiderski.net/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/embedded-image-zxg5ufdp.png)![](https://safety.scswiderski.net/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/embedded-image-ufz5vyfn.png)</span>

# Toolbox Talk - 5.08.2023 - Hand Tool Safety

[![image.png](https://safety.scswiderski.net/uploads/images/gallery/2023-05/scaled-1680-/Hd1image.png)](https://safety.scswiderski.net/uploads/images/gallery/2023-05/Hd1image.png)