Page 47 - OHS, November/December 2022

system—potential for equipment misuse or failure, injury due to suspension trauma and the need for rescue planning—it is always best to strive for a solution higher on the hierarchy of controls. With the virtual model as a tool, it’s easier to visualize what those solutions could be.
Case Studies: Technology in the Real World
Municipal. After a municipal worker suffered a tragic accident, the community renewed its focus on fall protection and engaged a safety consultant to evaluate its water infrastructure assets, including water towers, vaults, lift stations and more.
Because of the extreme height and inherent risk concerns, imagery and survey data were collected using drones. The information was downloaded into 3D modeling software to allow for data evaluation and measurements to support the work in the initial hazard identification and assessment phase.
Using this digital solution provided the following benefits to the organization:
■ Safer data collection
■ Digital documentation minimized site visits and encouraged collaboration
■ Highly accurate imagery and measurements for evaluating solutions
■ Modern imagery and modeling improved communication vs. traditional engineering drawings
Fall Protection is All We Do
Government Facility Renovation. When planning was underway for the renovation of a significant government building, the organization wanted to ensure that the fall hazards present in the existing building could be reduced or eliminated as part of the renovation. Since the design team was using 3D modeling as the foundation for their design documents, it was an obvious decision to use the same models to virtually identify potential fall hazards and prevent their inclusion in the renovated building.
Just as the expertise of architects is required to ensure the facility met the functional needs of the organization, safety experts were engaged to help address the fall protection issues. The results of this effort were:
■ A completed facility that is much safer to maintain
■ No significant additional time or money to correct safety problems in a functioning environment
Our modern world largely revolves around data and technology and the ability to leverage related tools to benefit various aspects of our lives. It is time for safety professionals to bring these tools and their inherent benefits into the workplace to help reduce risk and improve safety.
Kevin E. Wilcox, P.E., C.S.P. leads LJB Inc.’s internationally recognized fall protection practice. He is a professional structural engineer and certified safety professional with more than 25 years of experience in fall protection consulting.
Your System, Our Liability
As your nationwide fall protection partner, we’re with you every step of the way. From installation to certification, we’ll engineer a safety solution that eliminates your liability, ensures OSHA compliance, and keeps your team safe.
Contact a Fall Protection Specialist to Learn More | (844) 471-2025 www.fallprotect.com
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wwUwn.toitlheds-o15nli1ne.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 | Occupational Health10&/2S9/a2f1ety11:06 A4M3