Safety

What If You Fall?

Nov. 2, 2021

Tips to remember before, during, and after a fall.

Despite all fall prevention precautions, you could still fall. What then? The key is to prepare by following these tips:

Ready the area. Could you land on strut or impale your leg on part of your wire spooler? Before ascending a stepladder or extension ladder, remove landing hazards.
Soften the landing zone. Rock climbers can fall off a 15-ft boulder and remain unharmed, thanks to crash pads. If your work involves fairly low elevations, using climber crash pads can prevent nasty sprains or breaks.
Learn how to fall. Something many people do not realize is your brain keeps moving when there’s a sudden stop of your body. This can easily cause brain trauma. Fall with your feet under you and let your legs collapse so you immediately roll upon impact.
Learn how to arrest. Fall arrest devices, when used correctly, provide a “soft catch.” There should be a soft “J” in the arrest line. Excess slack will increase the speed of the fall and the force of the arrest.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.