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901 Oil and Gas Hazard Awareness
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Fall Protection

Falls are among the most common causes of serious work related injuries and deaths. Employers must set up the work place to prevent employees from falling off of overhead platforms, elevated work stations or into holes in the floor and walls.

Take Pride in Your Job: Fall Protection - NIOSH

Falls from elevated areas account for a relatively low percentage of the accidents that occur in drilling operations; however, those accidents that do occur usually are severe or fatal.

Most of the falls occur while erecting the derrick, climbing the derrick ladders, or working from one of the platforms. Adequate worker protection can be provided during most, if not all, of these situations by the use of safety belts, lifelines and lanyards, safety nets, and climbing devices.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

6-3. Where do most of the falls occur on the drilling rig?