Fall Things Considered

“Who is Responsible for Providing Fall Protection?” With Colt Sargent Episode 002 In this episode of Fall Things Considered, Philip Jacklin & Colt Sargent discuss the critical responsibilities surrounding fall protection during building construction & general facility operations. They explore who is liable for providing fall protection, the importance of training and inspections, and recent legal cases that highlight these issues. The conversation emphasizes the need for architects and building designers to integrate fall protection measures during the design phase to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. They emphasize the need for education in safety practices and explore innovative technologies that enhance fall protection. The discussion also highlights tools available for effective planning and implementation of safety measures in construction projects. KEY TAKEAWAYS - 1. All employees, regardless of their status, are covered by OSHA regulations. Employers must provide fall protection whenever a worker is exposed to a fall hazard. 2. Regular inspections are crucial. Employers cannot claim ignorance or rely on the argument that the work was temporary or infrequent. 3. Architects and contractors share responsibility. Building design should consider safety measures from the outset to prevent hazards related to rooftop access. As Philip and Colt discuss, the conversation about fall protection should start during the design phase of a building. Architects must consider how the design impacts safety for anyone who may access the rooftop in the future. By fostering these discussions early, we can create safer environments for workers. For more insights and a deeper dive into the responsibilities surrounding fall protection, listen to the full episode. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS - Susan Harwood Grant 2026 Awardees list – https://www.osha.gov/harwoodgrants/fy2026-awardees On-Demand FREE Webinar “Building Owner’s Duty to Provide Fall Protection” – https://www.bigmarker.com/diversifiedfallprotection/Building-Owner-s-Duty-to-Provide-Fall-Protection-f662390ba381e9200deb5912?utm_bmcr_source=podcast Roof Hatch Safety Rail Kits - https://store.fallprotect.com/products/safepro-roof-hatch-safety-rail Skylight Fall Protection Screens - https://store.fallprotect.com/products/flat-skylight-screens?_pos=1&_psq=scre&_psid=30fe4a0f8&_ss=e Ogletree Deakins article “‘We Didn’t Know’ Is No Defense: Lessons for Construction Employers From a Cal/OSHA Appeals Board Decision” - https://ogletree.com/insights-resources/blog-posts/we-didnt-know-is-no-defense-lessons-for-construction-employers-from-a-cal-osha-appeals-board-decision/ Downey vs Western Community College - https://law.justia.com/cases/nebraska/supreme-court/2012/s-10-867.html 1910.28 OSHA’s Duty to Provide Fall Protection - https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.28 COLT’S FAVORITE PRODUCT: Automatic Roof Hatch Opener - https://store.fallprotect.com/products/safepro-automatic-roof-hatch-opener?_pos=1&_psq=aut&_psid=f43ff5988&_ss=e CONTACT INFO: Philip Jacklin [email protected] Colt Sargent [email protected]

All Fixed Up: A discussion on fixed ladder safety and changing OSHA regulatory updates Ladders are a common sight in the workplace, but their role as both a tool and a potential hazard cannot be overstated. In this week’s episode of Fall Things Considered, we shed light on ladder safety, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of fall protection. Historically, ladder cages were used as a form of fall protection, but as of 2016, OSHA no longer recognizes them as sufficient. Now, all fixed ladders over 24 feet must have a ladder safety system. The deadline for retrofitting these systems was set for 2036, but recent proposals may change this timeline. Philip discusses the ongoing debate surrounding this regulation, including an article focused on fixed ladder safety & the effectiveness of ladder cages from BIS Safety Software and a petition from the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) advocating for the continued use of ladder cages. This petition raises important questions about safety regulation versus economic efficiency. This episode’s guest is Donnie Bowen, a territory manager at Diversified Fall Protection who works closely with energy and petrochemical companies in the Gulf Coast region, where the AFPM is based. Donnie emphasizes the importance of understanding the real-world risks workers face and developing compliant, user-friendly, and cost-effective solutions. "The physics of a fall remain the same, regardless of regulatory changes. It's vital to weigh the cost of compliance against the potential cost of a life." — Donnie Bowen As regulations evolve, our approach to safety must adapt. With the right equipment and a commitment to proper use, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with ladder use in the workplace. For more insights and a deeper dive into these discussions, listen to the full episode of Fall Things Considered. Resources mentioned in the episode: BIS Safety Software article https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/safety-professionals-weighing-before-osha-decides-rszhc/ AFPM Petition to repeal 2036 Fixed Ladder retrofit deadline https://www.connmaciel.com/osha-defense-report/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/CMC-Petition-for-Ruemaking-Ladder-Retrofit-Requirements-7-28-25.pdf Diversified Fall Protection Spec Generator https://www.fallprotect.com/diversified-fall-protections-spec-generator