Rogers' Hardscape Pros
Safety Sense: Fall Protection Ideas on the Job Site — Courtesy of Joe Powers, Anchor Wall Systems
Posted: August 24, 2008
Fall protection on the retaining wall job site is one of the most important aspects of a big-wall project. The method you are most likely to see today is the one with large concrete blocks, a cable running between the blocks, and laborers secured with a harness. While this method may work, it can get very difficult to work with as the structure grows and the system needs to be moved in and out of the work area. (Picture 2)
Another application that some contractors have attempted to use is what I call “The Big Pillow.” Large cushion-type units are placed at the bottom of the wall face. The inherent problem with this method: The faller, leaving his previously safe position at top of wall, attempts to locate and deposit his body on the cushion for his safe landing. I don’t think this will find much favor with the OSHA boys. (Picture 3)
The method I think has the most promise is called “leading-edge restraint.” Similar to the method used by the building trade, it keeps people from walking off a building by using cables or other solid restraints at the perimeter of the work site. The system plate and posts are placed on the segmental block and secured by means of a large rod (rebar) that goes through the back of the plate into the drainage material immediately behind the wall face. The bar is long enough to resist pullout and slides up with the plate and post as the wall grows during construction. The use of cables in the one system and restraint bars in the second are in line with OSHA safety guidelines. These methods also act as temporary fence while nobody is working on the job site. If you like this idea and want more information, please drop an e-mail and we can chat.