The Evolution of Fall Protection

Colin LeGrowL3 Sprat Rope Access SupervisorFall Protection Competent Person Instructor

The ‘Evolution’ of Fall Protection• Where we started

• Where we are today

• Challenges & solutions ahead

• Right Choice - Right Reason

Men of Iron…• Newfoundlanders headed to New York City

• They helped build America's skyline

• Newfoundland was still a British colony at the time

• New York City needed workers who were not afraid of heights

• American construction companies recruited Newfoundlanders

• Fishermen –• Used to climbing the high rigging on fishing schooners

• They weren't afraid of working on high steelhttp://www.cbc.ca/nl/features/menofiron/

Men called ‘Fish’ from Newfoundland

Photo’s by Charles Ebbets – Approx. 1920-1935

Men of Iron…• The risk was high, but so

was the pay” • “Fish” helped build the

Twin Towers• The CBC's Curtis Rumbolt

has their story: Men of Iron. Men of Iron was produced by Chris Brooke

• Iron Workers Local 40http://www.cbc.ca/nl/features/menofiron/

In Brooklyn….A 1946 clipping from a Brooklyn newspaper makes reference to “an estimated 75,000 first and second-generation Newfoundlanders in the Brooklyn area”

https://bytheriversofbrooklyn.wordpress.com/about/newfoundlanders-in-brooklyn/

Early Days…• Nothing to protect workers

from falling• Acceptable norm to take

higher risks• No options for fall protection• Couldn’t get the work done• Requirements were not

driven by legislative change

First Fall Protection…• Waste belts & ropes• Early 20th century in the form of

body belts and other equipment used by linesmen to scale poles.

• Body belts worn loosely around the waist

• Use was limited in construction• Body belt remained in service for

decades until dangers better understood.

http://reallineman.com

/discussions/mem

bers/real-lineman/m

edia/32/

Body Belts…• Unacceptably Dangerous• Potential to fall out• Unreliable for fall arrest• 1956 –Protecta manufactured

positioning belts in France

First Harness…• 1940’s Manufacturers began

looking for something to better distribute forces

• Fall Pro harness modeled from a military parachute

• Bulky heavy materials –not comfortable to wear

• Full body harness with rope or cable

First Harness…• First harnesses difficult to put on• 2001 – first harness with

padding, soft materials• Designed after recreational

harnesses• Quick connect buckles• Specific industry harnesses• Proper fitting is a concern• Non tangle harnesses

Harness Design Evolution• Design changed –more

comfort • Early –cotton & leather• Now Polyester –comfort &

durability • Other blends include nomex

& kevlar• Turning harness into a tool for

industry specific needs• Fully adjustable/ease of use

Change Begins…• 1980’s big change began• Employers motivated • Employee intolerance• Desire to go home safe• Europe adopted earlier in the 70’s

First SRL…• In 1940, in a small Swedish mining town, a series of falls

led to the development of the world’s first self retracting lifeline device, know as the SALA® block

Capital Safety Timeline…• 1973 –Ladder Safety systems &

Rope grabs, DB Enterprises Redwing MN.

• 1979 – Invention of the Lad Safe Cable Sleeve (DBI)

• 1992 –Sealed Block SRL’s• 2004-2006 –Mini SRL’s, Pre-

Engineered HLL’s, Tie back lanyards• 2009 –Ultra Lok RSQ

Industry Advancements…• Energy absorbers • Tightened

regulations• Training standards• Rope access• Training• Division of roles

Regulations…• 2005 - Work at height

Regulations in the UK• 2009 - NL Regulations

update• 2012 - Requirement for

training in NL

Where we are today…• Many kinds of equipment• Engineers involved • Concept of “improvised

anchors” changing• Fall protection plans are

required• People do have a much

better understanding of requirements

Challenges…• Equipment & techniques outpace regulatory change• Equipment types and range can be cumbersome• System compatibility• Heavy workers• Bridge the gap between training/workers and

supervision • Generic training - not job specific• Continuity – training doesn’t end in the classroom

Rescue…

Rope Access…• Solution to working at height• Excellent safety statistics• Rigid training regime• Needs regulatory acceptance

Designated Persons…• Designated persons and various levels of training• Look at the ANSII Model for; Authorized Competent Qualified

• Unrealistic to think technology alone can keep workers safe

• Competency assessments

Human Interface…

Conclusions and Steps Forward…• The training isn’t over• Identify roles and responsibilities specific to fall

protection• Comprehensive fall protection plans • Engineering must get involved during the design

phase of any project • FP starts at the anchors • Integration of training with the work site• Application of skills

Thank-You !

Thank you to those who assisted

Colin LeGrow(709) 335-2325(709) 699-3452@colinlegrow1-877-335-2374Colin@TRR.ca