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@[email protected]