The Importance of Inspecting Soft Goods for Work-at-Height Safety

At Height Works, we prioritize the safety of employees working at heights above all else, and one of the critical measures to ensure their safety is the regular inspection of soft goods. Soft goods, include harnesses, ropes, carabiners, and accessories, are essential components of fall protection systems. Here’s why inspecting your soft goods annually is vital for maintaining a safe work environment:

1.        Identifies Any Safety Issues

Annual inspections play a crucial role in identifying safety issues that could compromise the performance of the equipment used by your work-at-height employees. Over time, wear and tear, exposure to harsh conditions, and regular use can degrade the integrity of soft goods. Without regular inspections, these issues might go unnoticed until a failure occurs, potentially resulting in serious injuries or a fatality. By scheduling annual inspections through Height Works through our annual Inspection and Testing program, you can catch these problems early, ensuring that all equipment remains in optimal condition and continues to protect workers effectively.

2.        Safety Is Applicable to Everyone

The need for regular inspections of soft goods applies to all work-at-height employees, their employers, and all owners of personal safety equipment. This responsibility is not limited to specific industries or roles; anyone who relies on fall protection systems must ensure that their gear is safe and reliable. Employers must prioritize the safety of their teams by maintaining rigorous inspection schedules and ensuring that every piece of equipment is thoroughly checked.

3.        Inspections Prevent Serious Injury or Death

Regular inspections of soft goods are crucial in preventing serious injuries or deaths resulting from equipment failure. When workers are at heights, the integrity of their safety equipment is their lifeline. Equipment failure due to lack of maintenance can lead to catastrophic outcomes. By committing to annual inspections, employers can drastically reduce the risk of falls and enhance the overall safety of their work environments.

4.        Compliance with Manufacturer Requirements and Provincial Laws

In Canada, manufacturers often stipulate the need for annual inspections, and provincial laws defer to these specified inspection requirements. It’s essential to stay informed about these regulations and ensure compliance. Adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines not only meets legal obligations but also ensures that the equipment is used in the manner it was designed and tested for, thereby maximizing safety. Should you have any questions about equipment or manufacture guidelines, contact the fall protection safety experts at Height Works today.

5.        Best Practices for Inspections

Employers and owners of personal safety equipment should be proactive in scheduling annual inspection services. Inspections must be performed by a competent person trained in the inspection of soft goods. This ensures that the individual conducting the inspection has the knowledge and expertise to identify potential issues and take appropriate corrective actions. 

6.        Comprehensive Inspection Scope

Inspections should encompass all soft goods, including harnesses, ropes, carabiners, and accessories. Each component plays a critical role in the overall fall protection system, and a failure in any part can compromise the entire system. A thorough inspection will cover the condition of the materials, the integrity of the connections, and the functionality of any mechanical components.

Regular inspection and testing of soft goods is a fundamental aspect of ensuring safety for work-at-height employees. By adhering to annual inspection schedules, complying with manufacturer and provincial requirements, and following best practices, employers can create a safer work environment. Investing in the inspection and maintenance of fall protection equipment is not just a regulatory requirement; it's a commitment to the well-being and safety of every worker who relies on these systems.  Contact Height Works today to learn more about our Inspection and Testing program.