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How to use a mezzanine door pallet gate to protect a "door to nowhere" situation on upper or mezzanine level while still allowing material to be passed through the opening.

We’ve talked about the importance of fall protection and some of the best product investments out there. However, only some of these products are recommended for permanent use. Why is that?

The answer is simple: the material and the design of the product determine whether it is better suited for long- or short-term use.

 

Whether you're looking for a temporary or permanent safety solution, non-penetrating guardrails are excellent options for an array of needs.

The post Non-Penetrating Guardrails: Understanding Your Options appeared first on Dakota Safety.

Bollards and column protectors are everywhere, yet we never think about how useful they are in their various settings. Learn more about their uses.

The post Understanding Bollards and Column & Shelf Protectors appeared first on Dakota Safety.

Retail workers perform a wide array of tasks in a typical day that demand both physical and mental energy. It may seem that most of the retail industry is part of a low-risk environment. However, falls can occur in any type of situation; more than 1 million workers’ comp claims are filed each year.

 

Falls are a significant cause of serious injuries. In most cases, the failure to use any kind of fall protection equipment has led to many unfortunate tragedies.

One small mistake can kill. Many people think that as long as they spend a lot of money on fall protection, they’re doing the right thing. The truth is fall protection doesn’t only involve planning, training, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment; it also includes regular inspections and proper maintenance.

For your own safety and the safety of others, it’s important to know the basic types of fall protection and what works best for each situation and your budget. Understanding the concept of fall protection correctly will safeguard you from falls as well as minimize potential damage and losses resulting from possible incidents.

 

Portable fall protection equipment varies extensively across industries and sites, but the general purpose remains constant. Like fixed and permanent fall protection systems, portable protection exists to eliminate workplace accidents caused by falls in adherence to OSHA requirements.

 

It only takes a second. Someone is going about their business and a quick distraction causes them to trip, maybe fall. On a flat surface, this could mean nothing; but near an unprotected edge, falls can pose serious risks and result in broken materials, injuries, or even fatalities. In 2014, falls accounted for 40% of fatalities in construction.

Some risks can’t always be avoided, but they can be managed by putting preventative measures in place. Trips and stumbles may still happen, but railings will significantly reduce the danger to your workers. OSHA standards require employers to use some combination of guardrail systems, safety nets, or harnesses at their worksites.

 

At Dakota Safety, we believe in the power of fall protection guardrails. But, we also admit passive fall protection isn’t always applicable to every situation. For construction sites, roofing tasks, or sites that need guardrails removed, an active fall protection solution is required, like a safety harness. That being said, a harness is only as good as its anchor point.

Anchorage points are your connection point to a solid structure. Required by OSHA standard 1910.66, each worker’s personal fall arrest system must have a reliable point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices. Anchor points can be beneficial if your work site is temporary or your workers need to cover lots of ground.