Dr. J. Nigel Ellis was a guest speaker at the Slips, Trips and Falls, The Way Forward Conference on October 5, 2016 in London, England. Dr. Ellis’ presentation was titled, “Fragile Roofs: Skylights/Rooflights”. The Future of Plastic domes.

Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be the leading cause of death for construction workers. Accounting for 345 of the 899 construction fatalities recorded in 2014. Falls from ladders make up nearly a third of those deaths. Some of these deaths can be prevented if designers incorporate horizontal grab features. This will help enable workers to more effectively while using a three-point control when climbing ladders and other structures.

This is practical and research information on what is new for building owners, specifiers, safety managers, architects, risk managers for Hotels, Manufacturing, Food, Transport, Leisure, Health Clubs etc.

The safety requirements for employees working on scaffolds as defined by OSHA are often overlooked by many. This could essentially be the difference between life and death falls.

Although double-lanyard systems remain a seemingly obvious answer for moving horizontally on many present structures without the provision of horizontal lifelines, their use is cumbersome. An interesting variant used in Japan employs a simpler system that includes a keybox attached to the worker’s belt. One lanyard key is inserted and remains attached until a second lanyard key is inserted in another opening. This action ejects the first lanyard key and allows unhindered transfer past obstructions or supports while ensuring continuous protection.