Workplace Safety and Fall Hazards Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of fall-related injuries in Canada are attributed to ground-level slips?

10%

34%

50%

66% (correct)

What is the financial impact of a single injury due to a fall, considering workplace safety factors?

$1.2 million

$10,000

$250,000

$59,000 (correct)

What is the typical time it takes for a person to react to the awareness of a fall?

3/4 of a second

1/2 second

1 second

2/3 of a second (correct)

What must employers do to protect workers from falling hazards?

Conduct risk assessments and manage hazards Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes fall hazards?

Falls from different heights and same-level slips are significant risks. Signup and view all the answers

What surface condition is NOT addressed by safety legislation for workers?

Floor finish that enhances traction Signup and view all the answers

Which hazard is specifically associated with falls at ground level?

Spills of wet or dry substances Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is required from employers to ensure worker safety?

Provide information and training on hazards Signup and view all the answers

What is a common physical hazard that can lead to slips and falls?

Poor lighting conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is NOT a precaution workers should take to prevent hazards?

Ignore minor spills Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding employer responsibilities?

Employers should inform workers about any known worksite hazards Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor that contributes to ground-level falls?

Weather conditions like ice or snow Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about slips and falls?

They can occur on dry surfaces only. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with waste material and debris to prevent hazardous conditions?

Remove it to a disposal area daily Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action if a spill occurs that may cause slips?

Clean it immediately and post a warning sign Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a hazard leading to falls from heights?

Properly installed safety rails Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the hierarchy of controls for managing fall hazards?

Elimination of the hazard Signup and view all the answers

Which of these surfaces requires a warning sign when being cleaned or polished due to slippery conditions?

Slippery surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Which regulation outlines the requirement for lowering debris instead of allowing it to fall freely?

O.Reg. 213/91 Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when a fall hazard cannot be eliminated?

Implement controls according to the hierarchy Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of falls from heights?

Serious injuries or fatalities Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum height of a vat, bin, or tank that requires guardrails around it?

107 cm Signup and view all the answers

What hazard occurs when a worker falls the total fall distance exceeding the distance to the next surface below?

Bottoming out Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following systems is designed to limit a worker's movement in the fall hazard area?

Travel restrain system Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a fall arrest system?

To prevent workers from falling and hitting the surface below Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes suspension trauma?

Blood pooling in the legs when suspended for long periods Signup and view all the answers

What type of system consists of ropes, wires, or chains to warn individuals approaching an unprotected roof edge?

Warning barriers Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of a positioning device system?

Supports the worker on an elevated surface Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a fall arrest hazard?

Surface roughness Signup and view all the answers

What is required of a cover on an opening in a floor or roof?

It must be secured in place Signup and view all the answers

What standard provides guidelines for selecting the right fall arrest equipment?

CSA Z259 Standards Signup and view all the answers

What components make up a fall arrest system?

Shock absorbing lanyard, lifeline, and full body harness Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a worker experiences the pendulum effect after falling?

They may swing and hit surrounding structures Signup and view all the answers

Which type of elevated structure is characterized as temporary and must be properly constructed for safe operation?

Scaffold Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for guardrails?

Must be adjustable for different heights Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of safety net systems in fall protection?

To catch individuals if they fall Signup and view all the answers

What is an important factor to consider when selecting a fall arrest system?

The performance conditions of the workplace Signup and view all the answers

What is a major factor that can contribute to falls from a ladder?

Overreaching to side or overhead Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is included in the requirements for worker protection against falling hazards?

Fall arrest system Signup and view all the answers

Which fall distance requires specific worker protection under Ontario Regulation 213/91?

More than 3 meters Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement if installing a guardrail system is not reasonably possible?

Travel restraint system or fall restricting system Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured to avoid falls while using a ladder?

Being adequately protected with three-point contact Signup and view all the answers

Which of these fall hazards is not specified for protection under Ontario Regulation 213/91?

Falling from a moving vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What types of systems must suspended platforms, guardrails, and scaffolds comply with?

Professional engineering practices Signup and view all the answers

What is an important factor to consider regarding muscle fatigue when working from a ladder?

Taking frequent breaks to rest muscles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hazard Identification - Working at Heights

Over 42,000 Canadian workers are injured annually due to falls.
66% of these injuries occur due to slips at ground level.
34% are from ladders, stairs, roofs, or other height-related conditions.
Injuries often occur even with adherence to safety procedures.
Fall injuries can cost employers as much as $59,000 per incident.
Profit margins of 5% translate to a $1.2 million cost per injury.

Anatomy of a Fall

A fall is not the injury but rather the sudden stop.
Most people take about ⅓ of a second to recognize a fall, and another ⅓ of a second to react.
A person can fall up to 7 feet in ⅔ of a second.

Examples of Fall Hazards

Falls are the number one cause of work-related injuries.
Employers must perform risk assessments to control or eliminate fall hazards.
Examples include:
- Trips and slips at ground level
- Falls from levels below 3 meters
- Falls from 3 meters or more
- Falls into operating machinery
- Falls into hazardous substances
- Falls through floor openings.

Ground Level Falls - Slips, Trips, and Falls

Common ground level hazards include:
- Slippery surfaces
- Seasonal hazards
- Spills
- Changes in walkway levels
- Unsecured mats
- Unsafe use of ladders
- Poor lighting/poor visibility
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Obstructions

Legislation: Slip, Trips and Falls

Floors must be free of:
- Obstructions
- Hazards
- Debris (refuse, snow, ice)
Surfaces must not be treated with materials that increase slipperiness.

OHSA Requirements

Employers: Take precautions for worker safety, provide training, inform workers about hazards, and provide appropriate equipment.
Workers: Report hazards, use required equipment, and report equipment defects/problems to superiors.

Other Regulations

Waste must be removed from work areas daily.
Debris must be controlled to prevent falling and injury.
Spills of hazardous liquids must be cleaned up, and warning signs should be placed until cleaned.

Falls From Heights

Working at heights is a common, dangerous task in many industries.
Falls from heights can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Types of Working at Heights

Buildings: Falls can happen from roofs, elevated locations, unprotected edges and openings (floors, roofs, stairwells, ramps, windows, doors, skylights, elevators)
Scaffolds: Temporary platforms for workers supporting workers or materials, must be properly constructed/maintained.
Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs): Various types, need proper training and use.
Ladders: For lighter tasks where lateral movement isn't needed.

Preventing Falls

Eliminate fall hazard when possible, otherwise control it.
Use a hierarchy of controls (elimination, engineering, administrative, ppe).
Some prescribed methods, based on legislation
Regulations vary depending on the type of work and location.

Guardrails - Legislation

Guardrails: Required around uncovered openings in floors, roofs, and sides of elevated surfaces.
Height: Guardrails required when surface is less than 107 cm above ground level.

Floor Coverings

Covers for floor/roof openings must be securely placed to withstand expected loads

Fall Restraint/Fall Arrest Systems

Fall restraint systems restrict worker movement near edges
Fall arrest systems stop a worker from falling
Considerations of height and distance required in workplace

Warning Barriers

Warning barriers are used to warn workers of unprotected edges.

Positioning Device Systems

Enables workers to work with both hands free on vertical surfaces
Prevents falls to two feet

Safety Net Systems

Safety net systems provide a catch mechanism for falls.

Fall Arrest Systems- Components

These systems include an anchor, connectors, shock absorbers, lifelines, rope grabs, and a full body harness working together to minimize the impact force of a fall..

Fall Arrest Hazards

When fall hazards can't be eliminated or controlled
Potential dangers associated with fall arrest systems (e.g., bottoming out, pendulum effect, suspension trauma).

Bottoming Out

Occurs when the total fall distance is greater than the distance between the work surface and the next accessible (lower) surface

Pendulum Effect

Occurs when a worker swings after a fall arrest system activates.

Suspension Trauma

A person suspended from a harness may experience blood pooling in the legs (possibly causing oxygen deprivation to the brain).

Ladder Hazards

Common hazards for ladder usage include overreaching, heavy material handling, loss of balance on unsecured ladders, lacking proper three-point ladder contact, and ladder defects.

Types of Working at Heights: Ladders

Ladders are better used for light-duty/short-distance applications.
There are multiple ladder types (extension, straight, fixed access, tripod, step ladders).
Factors contributing to ladder falls include:
- Poor contact
- Improper ladder placement/selection
- Overreaching
- Handling heavy loads
- Poor technique
- Fatigue

Ontario Regulation 213/91 and Working at Heights

Requirements: Specific rules for worker protection on construction sites.
Sections 26.1–26.9: Devices for workers at risk of certain fall hazards/situations.
Hazardous situations: Falling beyond 3m, falls into water, machinery, into hazardous substances, and through openings.

Section 26.1 Working at Heights

Workers must be protected by guardrails if possible.
If not, use fall restraint, fall restricting, or fall arrests systems. (the specifics differ depending the regulations involved).

Suspended Platforms, Guardrails, Scaffolds

Engineering principles are critical (design by a qualified professional).
Often, elevated devices meet CSA standards.

Worker at Heights Training

Workers who perform height-related tasks must complete approved training.

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Description

Test your knowledge on workplace safety regarding fall hazards, particularly slips at ground level. This quiz covers injury statistics, employer responsibilities, and preventive measures associated with fall-related incidents. Understand the importance of safety precautions in the workplace to protect employees.