Walking Working Surfaces
I came across a walking surface that looks to be below the allotted 4 foot drop. Does it need to have a handrail or some other fall protection installed? I have been looking and everything I am finding is for 4 feet and above. Personally, I feel that this is a hazard, but I want to make sure that whatever action we take is appropriate for the situation. You can't see it, but to the far left there is a staircase to the second level and a fixed ladder that is like 4 foot tall.
Comments (19)
Hulk green is a good visible color.
It's an oddity. What makes you consider it a hazard? How is it used?
Slips, trips, and falls are often drivers of recordable injuries for some organizations. I would perform a thorough risk analysis of the space (how it is used, frequency, duration, proximity to hazardous equipment, history of injury or near misses) before making a recommendation.
Do you know if anyone has been injured on it in the past, or have you had any near misses related to it? Personally, I wouldn't put in a guard rail unless there have been issues with that in the past
It wouldn't have to be installed but I don't think it's a bad idea. You would mitigate a potential hazard. At the very least, bring it up to your Manager and if they decline you can at least support yourself if something happens in the future.
You mentioned that it was a hazard in your opinion. Therefore it is recognized by the company and could be citable under the general duty clause. Also, you mention in other comments that you are worried about employees stepping off and falling.
I agree with you and in my opinion, I think you should protect against it. I believe a guardrail is acceptable, however, make sure that it is compliant with OSHA regulations for a guardrail (seems to be that you'll need top rail, mid-rail, and toe board). If not, you can be cited for improper guarding.
My opinion is the ladder to the left appears to be two feet. At any case a handrail may cause other hazards such as skipping to use the steps all together cause it is a hassle to someone on the floor.
I agree with some of the comments. Where a fall potential exists, we have the duty to protect against it and can be cited under General Duty if we don't.
How dedicated to safety is the company? Be PROACTIVE, not REACTIVE! Regulations are written in blood, don't add to the statistics. Don't wait for an incident to make it right. Just because "it's been that way for years and no one has been hurt before" doesn't mean it can't and won't happen.
Widen the platform to allow adequate walking /working surface with rails (top, middle, and toeboards), maybe use a ramp instead of stairs if space allows and there is any concern of people skipping steps that would create a hazard. Anywhere there are steps, people will try to skip some, especially long-legged folks. Policy implementation and enforcement not to skip steps would be practical.