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If you are an aerial adventure or climbing gym operator, you have likely heard rumblings about the need for OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administrationcompliance and thought "Why do I care and where should I begin?" There is a lot packed into this conversation and our goal is to begin to shed light on this nuanced topic.  This is the first article in our series on OSHA compliance, PPE selection, and work-at-height methods for the vertical adventure world and these are the top 9 things you should know when it comes to OSHA compliance for your operation:

  1. OSHA Compliance is Law
  2. OSHA Compliance is the Employer’s Responsibility
  3. OSHA Isn’t Just Concerned with Work-at-Height
  4. Start with a Hazard Analysis
  5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a Last Resort
  6. Don’t Forget Rescue Plans for Staff
  7. Documentation is Important
  8. OSHA Inspections Can Be Proactive and Low Consequence
  9. Educational Opportunities Exist

    Now let's break these down.

    1. OSHA Compliance is Law

    Most organizations are aware of this but they do not act accordingly.  Your business is probably diligent with documentation and compliance concerning other laws that affect it, such as tax law or labor laws.  But for some reason, many adventure-based organizations see OSHA compliance as low priority and give it passing attention.  In addition to the obvious ethical obligation to protect your employees from harm, there is serious financial risk to your business if found to be non-compliant with OSHA regulations.  The less serious categories of violations have a maximum penalty of just over $13,000 per citation and willful or repeated violations are capped at $132,598, with even higher fines and criminal conviction possible.  Maybe it's time you bump OSHA compliance up on your priority list?

    2. OSHA Compliance is the Employer’s Responsibility

    It’s easy to assume that the professionals you hire to design, install, train, and maintain your facility are paying attention to all of your OSHA compliance needs.  While your service provider is expected (and often required by standard) to provide you with products and services that comply with relevant municipal, state, and federal laws - they are not the ones ultimately liable for OSHA violations.  Your vendors as qualified professionals are still great resources and you should tap them for advice and instruction whenever possible.  But, the documentation, training, and refinement of your employee safety program falls on the employer.

    3. OSHA Isn’t Just Concerned with Work-at-Height

    While Fall Protection violations are the most cited violations over the years, OSHA is generally concerned with the health and safety of workers.  OSHA standards cover everything from signage and sanitation to first aid and hazardous substances.  So there might be a variety of OSHA standards to consider when say an employee is applying chemical weed control on your property.  Comb the standards and ensure the proper policies, procedures, documentation, and protective measures are in place for each aspect of your operation.

    4. Start with a Hazard Analysis

    You might have heard these called by a few names: Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), Risk Assessment, Hazard Assessment and Identification.  Hazard Analyses are the first critical step in making hazards transparent to employees and implementing the proper controls to protect them.  Hazard Analyses are even a worthwhile exercise for hazards your participants may encounter.

    5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a Last Resort

    PPE and safe work methods have dominated the conversation around OSHA compliance in both the climbing gym and aerial adventure industry.  And for good reason as strides need to be made in that area.  But in the hierarchy of controls for hazards, PPE is the last resort.  PPE only protects the user wearing it, can never provide 100% protection, and even with specific training always has the potential for user error.  Based on your Hazard Analysis, assess where you can minimize and eliminate risk before deciding what PPE is necessary.

    6. Don’t Forget Rescue Plans for Staff

    OSHA requires that a rescue plan (or Emergency Action Plan) be in place for employees working-at-height and that they receive practical training on these procedures.  Pretty much every operation has a rescue plan in place for their participants (even if it is just to call the fire department).  Have you accounted for the rescue of a staff member though?  Work through the worst-case scenarios: an unconscious worker suspended on rope while routesetting, an employee that has taken a fall and deployed their energy absorber, a lead guide on a canopy tour that is unresponsive on a distant platform, or whatever scenarios presents themselves at your site.

    7. Documentation is Important

    Documentation often comes up as an afterthought, when in reality it should be your first step.  A Hazard Analysis gets things started, but there are other requirements based on your type of business.  For example, you will likely be required to identify all necessary PPE for employees, certify that the PPE has been provided to them at no expense, and that employees have received training in how to utilize it.  Additional documentation may include Emergency Action Plans, blood-borne pathogen exposure programs, and work related injury and illness logs.  It is critical to understand what documentation is necessary and the requirements to retain those documents over time.  Remember that documentation is evidentiary, so whether required by law or not, it can be used by OSHA for regulatory citations.  We recommend reaching out to an OSHA expert who can evaluate your business activities and outline the specific documentation requirements for it.

    8. OSHA Inspections Can Be Proactive and Low Consequence

    OSHA is not some nagging entity that is just out to fine your business and make life hard.  Their mission is to protect the heath and safety of workers and their staff is available to help you find gaps at your site or interpret standards.  Very often, you can contact a local inspector and they will audit your operation free of charge and offer a list of infractions to remedy.  Doing this can both familiarize your regional OSHA office with the unique aspects of our industries and allow you time to resolve compliance gaps before an unannounced inspection or employee incident.

    9. Educational Opportunities Exist

    This world is admittedly hard to navigate and the push for compliance is fairly nascent in our respective industries, though compliance has been necessary all along.  Resources and formal training do exist, with some info being easier to digest and interpret than others.  Here are some places to get started:

    Standards and Expanded Resources
    OSHA 1926 Standards - Construction
    OSHA 1910 Standards - General Industry
    OSHA Summary of Fall Protection Standards for Non-Construction
    OSHA Pamphlet on Protecting Zip Line Workers
    ASTM, ACCT, PRCA, and CWA all approach requirements for employees in varying degrees so look for us to unpack that in a later article.  Additionally, we will talk more about the roles of ANSI standards and testing in later articles.

    Books
    North American Working at Height Handbook
    This handy field book was developed by leading companies in the work-at-height world and is definitely the most digestible resource out there.  We recommend every location have this on their bookshelf and every industry pro own a copy.  While is doesn't necessarily address every aspect of OSHA compliance, if you work through the recommendations in this book you'll be well on your way. 

    Training
    OSHA Training Requirements and Resources
    To assist with your in house trainings and a quick reference on what standards require training be given

    OSHA Outreach Training Program
    Receive OSHA certified training with basic and advanced options available

    Stay tuned for more content on this pressing topic in the aerial adventure and climbing gym industry.  If you are in need of top quality ANSI rated work at height gear, check out our curated collection.

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