Falls from heights is one of the number one reasons workers are killed on the job and the most cited violation by OSHA.  Fall protection requirements can be easily overlooked in a brewery operation.  Areas to look around for fall risks are:

• Mezzanines (if someone is on the mezzanine receiving a load when the railing is removed).
• Scissor lifts – workers always should be tied off when working from the platform (think catapult – things in motion want to stay in motion)
• Climbing to higher heights (leaving the ladder)

Keep in mind calculating fall distance when planning for a job needing fall protection.   For instance, a shock absorbing lanyard is a poor choice in areas where fall distance is short.  The worker would most likely hit the ground before the lanyard would engage.  Miller Fall Protection has a great tool to calculate the fall distance and help choose the best protection:

https://www.millerfallprotection.com/fallclearance/#home0

Attached is a list of the OSHA general industry standards indicating fall protection requirements (ie. manlifts, guarding floor openings, ladders, PPE, etc).  Remember state by state plans may even have more stringent rules.

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/standards.html

Hoppy Holidays!

Janet