The Importance of Fall Protection Equipment in Construction

July 29, 2021



Safety Measures for All


Who do safety measures benefit? Everyone! Not only does fall protection guard your team members from bodily harm - it also protects you, their employer, from legal and financial recourse.


The Occupational Safety & Health Administration, or OSHA, has created comprehensive regulations to protect employees on the job site. Flagrant disregard for or repeated failure to meet OSHA regulations can result in a
range of penalties. The most common punishment for OSHA violations is hefty fines, which typically depend on the severity of the violation, and whether it’s your first offense. In the worst-case scenario—that is, a serious injury or even death of an employee—the employer responsible for the OSHA violation can be fined and even imprisoned. 


Categorizing Fall Prevention


OSHA guidelines for construction job sites organize fall protection measures into
four main categories: fall arrest, positioning, retrieval, and suspension. 


Fall Arrest


Any time there is a fall hazard present on a worksite, a fall arrest system has to be in place to protect the worker. OSHA defines a ‘fall hazard’ as any drop of six or more feet from a walking or working surface to the surface below. Common examples of job site fall hazards include elevated scaffolding and rooftop work. To combat the dangers of a fall hazard, a worker should be outfitted with fall arrest equipment, such as a full-body harness.


A typical body harness should support up to 310 lbs. of combined tool and body weight. The harness is used in conjunction with a securely installed anchor point and a lanyard joining the two. In the event of a fall, the arrest system will prevent the worker from hitting the surface below. A good arrest system can dramatically reduce the risk of falls and impact-related workplace injuries.


Positioning


As the name suggests, positioning is all about how the worker positions their body while working. To meet OSHA standards, an employee working in a fall hazard situation should be equipped with a harness system that positions them safely and comfortably, leaving both hands free to work. Positioning systems must be used together with fall arrest systems, as they aren’t designed to prevent falls on their own.


Retrieval


What happens after a fall? If it does happen to a worker, there should be a plan in place to recover them. OSHA guidelines don’t specify how to do this - only that all job sites are required to have a rescue plan for workers caught in the fall arrest system. 


Suspension


If your employees are working at great heights, suspension equipment should be provided to help them move around hands-free. A perfect example of this is the suspended scaffolding used in commercial window washing. Again, suspension should be used in conjunction with fall arrest systems.


No matter what kind of job you’re doing, safety should be first and foremost in your mind. Protect yourself, your employees, and your business with fall protection.


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April 17, 2025
Spring is here, and that means longer workdays, increased demand, and unpredictable Gulf Coast weather. Whether you're in construction, industrial maintenance, or fleet operations, this is the season to get ahead of equipment maintenance before the heat, humidity, and workload take a toll. At Action Supply, we know downtime isn’t an option. That’s why we’ve put together this spring maintenance checklist to keep your equipment running efficiently, safely, and reliably all season long. 1. Inspect Your Equipment: Catch Issues Early The first step in spring maintenance is a full equipment inspection. Look for: Leaks or fluid loss – Check hydraulic lines, hoses, and seals for wear. Rust or corrosion – The Gulf Coast’s humidity speeds up deterioration. Apply protective coatings where needed. Tire & track wear – Construction sites and rough terrain cause excessive tread wear. Electrical connections – Moisture buildup can lead to short circuits or malfunctions. Pro Tip: Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs. Schedule routine inspections now to avoid costly downtime later. 2. Protect Against Corrosion & Rust The heat, salt air, and high humidity in the Gulf Coast accelerate rust and corrosion, which can weaken equipment and reduce efficiency. Be sure to: Apply anti-corrosion sprays to exposed metal parts. Store equipment properly when not in use to limit moisture exposure. Use high-performance lubricants to reduce friction and wear. Action Supply has a full selection of lubricants, protective coatings, and rust inhibitors to help extend the life of your equipment. Talk to our team for recommendations! 3. Keep Lubricants & Fluids in Check With rising temperatures, oil, grease, and hydraulic fluids work harder to keep machinery running smoothly. Check and replace: Engine oil – Prevent overheating & engine wear Hydraulic fluid – Ensure smooth, responsive operation Gear oil – Protect against friction damage Coolants – Keep engines from overheating in Gulf Coast heat Action Supply carries high-quality lubricants designed to handle extreme conditions. Stock up now before peak season hits! 4. Clean & Protect Your Equipment Spring cleaning isn’t just for homes—it’s essential for keeping heavy machinery, trucks, and tools in top shape. ✔️ Pressure wash equipment to remove dirt, debris, and buildup. ✔️ Clear air filters to improve engine performance. ✔️ Check radiators & cooling systems to prevent overheating. ✔️ Inspect and replace worn belts and hoses before they break. Pro Tip: A clean machine is an efficient machine. Regular maintenance extends the life of your equipment and improves safety. 5. Prepare for Spring Storms & Extreme Heat The Gulf Coast is known for sudden storms and extreme temperatures. Be prepared by: Storing backup parts and supplies in case of emergency repairs. Ensuring generators & backup power sources are operational. Keeping emergency safety gear stocked and accessible. Need help finding the right supplies? Action Supply has everything from industrial tools to safety gear to keep your crew prepared.  Get Ready for a Productive Spring with Action Supply At Action Supply, we have the supplies, tools, and expertise to help you protect and maintain your equipment for peak performance. Call us today to stock up on lubricants, safety gear, and essential maintenance supplies before the season kicks into high gear. Stay ahead of the game—because downtime isn’t an option.
March 8, 2025
Discover how effective industrial inventory management balances stock levels, improves operations, and boosts profitability. Learn key strategies for tracking, forecasting, and optimization from Action Supply's experts.
By Jayson Matos November 19, 2024
On November 8th, 2023, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released its annual report on workplace injuries. Private industry employers reported 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023. This report underscores the importance of preparing for workplace challenges, especially during the winter when injuries rise due to cold, winter weather, and slippery surfaces. Gulf Coast winters bring extreme temperature fluctuations, sudden cold snaps, heavy rain, and high humidity. High-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety supplies protect against the various hazards these conditions present. Ensure your oil and gas workers have these items on hand to keep them safe and productive. Insulated and Weatherproof Jackets Sudden drops in temperature or prolonged exposure to cooler temperatures can impair a worker’s focus, dexterity, and reaction time. Thermal insulation maintains body warmth while waterproof coatings protect against rain and damp conditions. These prevent discomfort and the risks associated with wet clothing, such as hypothermia or reduced mobility. If your workers are often near heavy machinery or fleet vehicles, consider looking for high-visibility jackets with ANSI-compliant reflective strips. They are designed to remain effective even in wet or overcast weather. Workspace-Specific Insulated Gloves Choose gloves that combine the features your workers need in their tasks. You may need gloves suitable for different responsibilities or areas of the workplace. Some features to consider include: Chemical-resistant gloves protect against hazardous materials like acids and solvents. Insulation keeps hands warm, preventing cold-related injuries that impair grip and coordination. These are essential for workers who will work outdoors or in cold indoor areas for extended periods of time. Shock insulation is good for those who work near machinery and electrical components. Anti-vibration gloves reduce the harmful effects of vibration on hands and arms while using power tools or machinery. Cut resistance protects against sharp objects when at work. Good cut protection is considered anything rated A3 and lower. Flexible designs ensure dexterity for precision tasks like repairs and maintenance. Choosing the right gloves will help keep your workers safe from winter weather and the unique challenges of their workplace. High-Traction, Insulated Boots Even without rain or sleet, temperatures can dip low enough to freeze dew and condensation, creating near-invisible slippery surfaces. Boots should feature slip-resistant soles with high traction scores, designed to grip wet, oily, or icy surfaces. Look for acid- and chemical-resistant materials in boot construction to prevent damage and ensure durability in harsh environments. Reinforced-toe options can protect workers from falling objects and other hazards. Insulation prevents cold-related numbness that can affect balance and safety. Hand Sanitizer for Workplace Hygiene and Safety In colder months, workers may be less inclined to wash their hands regularly due to limited access to warm water at job sites. Hand sanitizer provides a convenient alternative to reduce the spread of germs and maintain cleanliness. Choose sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol for maximum effectiveness against bacteria and viruses. Non-greasy formulas are ideal to avoid slippery hands when using tools or operating equipment. Station hand sanitizer dispensers near fleet vehicles, tool storage areas, and break rooms to encourage frequent use without disrupting workflows. Essential Items for First Aid Kits to Treat Cold-Related Injuries Cold-related injuries are rare but possible during Gulf Coast winters, especially when workers are exposed to wet and chilly conditions for extended periods. Make sure your first aid kits are equipped for these during the winter months. Thermal Blankets . Compact, heat-reflective blankets provide immediate warmth to prevent or treat hypothermia in exposed workers. Heat Packs . Disposable or reusable heat packs help warm extremities like fingers and toes. Frostbite Cream or Gel . Specialized treatments for frostbite help minimize damage while waiting for professional medical attention. Cold Weather Bandages . Adhesive bandages that stick even in cold or damp conditions will help protect cuts and scrapes. Extra tape and flexible gauze rolls are also recommended in case of slips and falls. Regularly inspect and replenish first aid kits to ensure all items are in good condition and ready for use. Fire Extinguishers for Heated Areas Indoor and outdoor heating equipment increases fire risk during the colder months. Having the right extinguisher in the right place can make a huge difference in the severity of a fire incident. Ensure extinguishers are rated for the types of fires common in heated areas. They fall under five classifications based on the type of fire they are best suited for. Class A for non-metallic materials like wood, paper, cloth, trash, and plastics Class B for flammable liquids like gasoline and oils. Class C for electrical fires, often caused by space heaters or malfunctioning equipment. Class D for Metal fires involving magnesium, sodium, potassium, and sodium-potassium alloys Class K for fires involving cooking oils and deep fryers. Position fire extinguishers within easy reach of heaters, furnaces, or other fire hazards to ensure workers and responders can react quickly in an emergency. Action Supply Provides High-Quality PPE Gear to Fit Your Needs We are uniquely positioned to assess your safety concerns and ensure you have the right safety equipment for the job. Contact us today to see how we can help you reduce winter workplace injuries with the right PPE gear.