Best practices for training around fall protection

RCS Influencer Martin Stout says to consider the four R's when developing a training program around fall protection.

When developing a training program based around fall protection it is important to consider the four R’s. Training should be relevant, robust, regular and reassuring. If a training program has these four factors, then contractors will be about as prepared as they can be.  

Relevant 

This is training that must be tailored to the specific conditions that the crew is dealing with. Is the job two story? Is it a steep pitch? Are there hazards below that require extra consideration? Are there skylights or opening on the roof deck? These factors change for most every job we do and can change on the same job site as progress is made around the building. Is it very hot or very cold? Will you need to remind the team to drink more often or will you need to remind them to use caution because of possible ice? It is important for the foreman (woman), safety monitor, safety engineer, owner, etc. to get ahead of the possible scenarios and train accordingly.

Robust 

Simply saying “be safe” or “do this” will not be enough. Take the time in your training to show the why, what is the danger and be specific. Talk about what could happen IF.  

Regular 

A monthly safety meeting is regular. As is a annual one. But I recommend you think of regular not just in terms of time, however that is important, Weekly meetings are a very good idea. Think in terms of regularly as conditions change as I outlined above.  

Reassuring 

Help the team to understand that using fall protection and being aware of fall hazards is about them. Their family. Their kids. Their future. If they fall they will remember that day and that job likely for the rest of their life. We all need to be reminded of that reality more often. Approach the issue of fall protection and for that matter safety in general as a “this is for the benefit of the company, the team, but most importantly the worker." They are the reason we are talking about safety.