Fall Protection: Focus on Personal Fall Arrest Systems - April 2022

Mon, Apr 11, 2022 at 8:00AM

Brad Mang, Safety Consultant, FRSA Self Insurers Fund

Over the last 10 years personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) have become the most common and economical way for roofing contractors to protect their employees from falls. Fall hazards are recognized by OSHA as a leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry and have been the most cited safety violation year after year. In light of these facts, it is imperative that roofing contractors not only provide their employees with PFAS, but also provide documented training and job site inspections to ensure compliance of your company’s fall protection program.


Let’s start by listing the required components of a typical PFAS: a full body harness, an anchor point, a lifeline and a lanyard (deceleration device). Some PFAS may have a retractable lifeline verses a lanyard, which is perfectly acceptable under OSHA standards. Many roofing contractors purchase what is called “compliance in a can” which has all the above components combined and costs between $120 to $500 depending on the system purchased. Every employee is required to have their own PFAS and contractors should not allow sharing of the components to ensure proper protection for everyone’s personal needs. Read more.


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