| Many manufacturing companies use fall protection | | | | cumbersome. The installation of I-Beam Systems |
| systems that pass OSHA standards to protect | | | | also demands more trusses and creates the need |
| their workers on the job. However, despite | | | | for large foundations, which can be more costly. |
| developments in the fall protection industry that | | | | For companies in four-season climates, the |
| have created new systems that meet and | | | | elements can play a major role in the inefficiency |
| exceed OSHA standards, many companies | | | | of I-Beam Systems. Any climate that sees snow |
| continue to use wire ropes that can seem | | | | and ice can find their I-Beam Systems rendered |
| outdated. This article examines a variety of | | | | completely useless because the trolley on an |
| leading fall protection systems and their pros and | | | | I-Beam cannot move through the elements. |
| cons. | | | | Companies that require a fall protection system in |
| When an individual is considering making an | | | | "dirty jobs" will also find I-Beam systems to |
| investment for their company in a fall protection | | | | require a lot of track cleaning in order to keep the |
| system, there are many reasons why they | | | | trolley mobile, leading to an increase in worker |
| consider wire rope systems. For one, they are | | | | downtime. |
| OSHA approved. In addition, wire rope systems | | | | By comparison to wire rope systems and I-Beam |
| (WRS) have been in place for years and are | | | | systems, Rigid Track fall protection systems |
| typically effective at providing adequate | | | | seem to be the best bet for promoting worker |
| protection for workers. | | | | safety and efficiency. Rigid Track systems have |
| However, WRS can not prevent a worker from | | | | an enclosed track that eliminate the potential |
| falling at least several feet. On a wire rope | | | | hazard of the elements. From a cost perspective, |
| system that is 40 feet in length, workers can fall | | | | Rigid Track systems are also competitively priced |
| as far as 8 feet before coming to a stop. For | | | | with wire rope systems and do not require the |
| workers on a tanker truck or rail car, the chance | | | | thousands of dollars in engineering inspection and |
| of injury to the head or body during a fall of 8 | | | | reinforcement. |
| feet with metal outcroppings, ladders, or even the | | | | From a safety standpoint, Rigid Track fall |
| ground is very high. | | | | protection systems seem to be the safest option |
| In addition to increased risk of safety, many | | | | for workers in a variety of industries. While wire |
| companies have the misconception that wire rope | | | | rope systems allow workers to fall as much as 8 |
| systems are less expensive than other options. | | | | feet before providing "protection," the rigid beam |
| Because wire rope systems are the industry | | | | on a horizontal track system protects workers |
| standard, why pay more? When a cost analysis | | | | from a fall as soon as their hoist locks - there is |
| of wire rope systems is completed, however, | | | | no additional fall. |
| most companies will see that once you pay for | | | | There are many options to consider for fall |
| the shock absorber and rope trolley, the cost of | | | | protection systems, but only one choice seems to |
| track systems are very similar. | | | | be best for worker safety, worker efficiency, |
| Two tracks system that are a popular alternative | | | | and cost benefits. Rigid Track systems are |
| to wire rope systems are called I-Beam Systems | | | | created using industry-leading engineering, and |
| and Rigid Track Systems. I-Beam Systems are | | | | seem to provide the best fall protection on the |
| rigid and horizontal in design, making them safer | | | | market today. Consider horizontal fall protection |
| than wire rope systems. However, their design | | | | for your workstations the next time you're in the |
| makes worker movement more difficult and | | | | market for improved fall protection. |