How to Use a Spotter for Fall Protection

There are many different occupations and situations that people are exposed to, that increase your likelihood of sustaining a serious injury by falling. Construction workers, window washers and many factory workers often find themselves in positions where working at a height is necessary to complete their job. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, there were 680 fatal workplace falls in the United States. There are several safety measures that can be taken to protect workers from falling such as guard rails, harnesses and the use of spotters.

Instructions

• 1

  Train all workers thoroughly in the area of fall protection, and different safety measures. Outline all of the risks involved with the particular job and create emergency plans to be initiated in case something goes wrong. Perform audits and test worker's knowledge on a regular basis.

• 2

  Designate partners as part of a "buddy system" to be used as spotters during dangerous work times. Assign specific people to work with one another to be certain there is no confusion.

• 3

  Stand close to your partner while he or she is working in a potential fall situation. You do not want to impede their work progress, but you do want to be close enough to react in case they should lose their balance.

• 4

  Monitor the situation closely. Communicate verbally and openly about what is happening and how your partner is doing at all times. Initiate emergency response plans should he or she loses her balance and begins to fall.