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Manufacturing companies in all industries use some form for OSHA-approved fall protection system to protect their workers. Advancements have been made in the fall protection industry in recent years, however, while many companies continue to use outdated wire rope systems. Below is a review of the pros and cons of choosing between wire rope fall protection and the top two alternatives - I-Beam Systems and Rigid Track Systems.
When making an investment for a company in a fall protection system, there are many reasons to consider wire rope systems. OSHA is the body that creates industry standards for fall protection, and wire rope systems are OSHA approved. Wire rope systems have been in place for years at many workshops and they are typically effective at providing worker protection.
However, workers can still fall several feet on wire rope system of fall protection. Workers can fall as far as 8 feet before coming to a stop on a wire rope system that is 40 feet in length. The chance of injury to the head or body during a fall of 8 feet with metal outcroppings, ladders, or even the ground is very high for workers on a tanker truck or rail car.
There is a misconception that wire rope systems are less expensive than other options. How many companies do you know that would be willing to pay more when they can still meet the industry standard? After paying for a shock absorber and rope trolley required for wire rope systems, a "cost-to-benefits" analysis on wire rope systems will show that the cost of wire systems is very comparable to Rigid Track Systems.
Popular alternatives to wire rope systems include I-Beam Systems and Rigid Track Systems. Because they are rigid and horizontal in design, these rigid track systems are safer than wire rope systems. Worker movement is difficult and cumbersome through the use of an I-Beam System. There is also a demand for more trusses and the need for large foundations with I-Beams, so they can be more costly.
The elements can play a major role in the inefficiency of I-Beam Systems for companies in four-season climates. I-Beam Systems can be rendered completely useless because the trolley on an I-Beam cannot move through elements like snow and ice. "Dirty jobs" will also find I-Beam systems to require a lot of track cleaning in order to keep the trolley mobile, leading to an increase in worker downtime.
Rigid Track fall protection systems seem to be the best bet for promoting worker safety and efficiency when put in comparison to wire rope and I-Beam systems. The potential hazard of the elements is eliminated with a Rigid Track system because it has an enclosed track. Rigid Track systems also do not require thousands of dollars in engineering inspection and reinforcement, making them competitively priced with wire rope systems.
Rigid Track fall protection systems also seem to be the safest option for workers in a variety of industries, from a safety standpoint. The rigid beam on a horizontal track system protects workers from a fall as soon as their hoist locks. There is no additional fall! Wire rope systems allow workers to fall as much as 8 feet before providing "protection."
Only one choice seems to be best for worker safety, worker efficiency, and cost benefits, but there are many options to consider for fall protection systems. The best fall protection systems on the market today are created using industry-leading engineering, and Rigid Track systems seem to be leading the industry. The next time you're in the market for improved fall protection, consider horizontal fall protection for your workstations.
When making an investment for a company in a fall protection system, there are many reasons to consider wire rope systems. OSHA is the body that creates industry standards for fall protection, and wire rope systems are OSHA approved. Wire rope systems have been in place for years at many workshops and they are typically effective at providing worker protection.
However, workers can still fall several feet on wire rope system of fall protection. Workers can fall as far as 8 feet before coming to a stop on a wire rope system that is 40 feet in length. The chance of injury to the head or body during a fall of 8 feet with metal outcroppings, ladders, or even the ground is very high for workers on a tanker truck or rail car.
There is a misconception that wire rope systems are less expensive than other options. How many companies do you know that would be willing to pay more when they can still meet the industry standard? After paying for a shock absorber and rope trolley required for wire rope systems, a "cost-to-benefits" analysis on wire rope systems will show that the cost of wire systems is very comparable to Rigid Track Systems.
Popular alternatives to wire rope systems include I-Beam Systems and Rigid Track Systems. Because they are rigid and horizontal in design, these rigid track systems are safer than wire rope systems. Worker movement is difficult and cumbersome through the use of an I-Beam System. There is also a demand for more trusses and the need for large foundations with I-Beams, so they can be more costly.
The elements can play a major role in the inefficiency of I-Beam Systems for companies in four-season climates. I-Beam Systems can be rendered completely useless because the trolley on an I-Beam cannot move through elements like snow and ice. "Dirty jobs" will also find I-Beam systems to require a lot of track cleaning in order to keep the trolley mobile, leading to an increase in worker downtime.
Rigid Track fall protection systems seem to be the best bet for promoting worker safety and efficiency when put in comparison to wire rope and I-Beam systems. The potential hazard of the elements is eliminated with a Rigid Track system because it has an enclosed track. Rigid Track systems also do not require thousands of dollars in engineering inspection and reinforcement, making them competitively priced with wire rope systems.
Rigid Track fall protection systems also seem to be the safest option for workers in a variety of industries, from a safety standpoint. The rigid beam on a horizontal track system protects workers from a fall as soon as their hoist locks. There is no additional fall! Wire rope systems allow workers to fall as much as 8 feet before providing "protection."
Only one choice seems to be best for worker safety, worker efficiency, and cost benefits, but there are many options to consider for fall protection systems. The best fall protection systems on the market today are created using industry-leading engineering, and Rigid Track systems seem to be leading the industry. The next time you're in the market for improved fall protection, consider horizontal fall protection for your workstations.
About the Author:
About the Author: John Benson is a freelance writer in the industrial manufacturing field. Fall protection is a passionate subject for Benson due to his concerns with workplace safety. His pieces on manufacturing safety can be found on a variety of leading manufacturing trade websites. Find out more about available fall protection products.
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