Consider auditing and evaluating safety programs and training

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) recently disclosed the first reported workplace fatality of 2024. The fatality occurred on January 9 in Ionia and resulted from the employee falling approximately 20 feet from an order picker truck. Here is what you need to know about MIOSHA’s fall protection standards.

Fall protection standards

According to MIOSHA, falls are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in Michigan. Historically, a large percentage of the fall-related fatalities have occurred in the construction industry, but every workplace should take steps to prevent falls.

To protect employees from potential fall-related injuries—or even death—and to protect yourselves from liability, you need to be aware of MIOSHA standards regarding fall protection.

Under MIOSHA’s construction safety and health standard, you have a duty to have fall protection measures in place. The standards address items such as guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, warning line systems, covers, protection from falling objects, and fall protection plans.

MIOSHA’s construction safety and health standard also requires the implementation of a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards. The training program is required to enable each employee to recognize the hazards of falling and train each employee in the procedures to be followed to minimize these hazards.

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