FORT LEE, Va., April 20, 2017 — Defense Contract Management Agency’s Safety and Occupational Health Division continues to build its
library of safety guidance with recent articles highlighting
fall hazards and its workplace
hazard reporting protocol.
In conjunction with Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s upcoming National Safety Stand-Down, the agency’s safety leaders are championing fall protection and prevention.
“DCMA is drawing attention to fall protection in an effort to raise awareness of fall hazards at work and home,” said Raymond Corral, the agency’s SOH Eastern and Pacific region manager. “This is also in support of the annual National Stand-Down campaign and release of OSHA Fall Protection standards in May.
The Fall Protection Standard incorporates advances in technology, industry best practices, and national consensus standards to provide effective and cost-efficient worker protection.”
OSHA estimates that these standards will prevent 29 fatalities and 5,842 lost-workday injuries every year. The administration believes changes could result in up to $614.5 million in worker injury benefits savings.
Tonda Fryzlewicz, DCMA’s SOH director, encouraged agency professionals to ask contractors questions about their specific fall protection programs, the systems and equipment while visiting contractor sites. Outside of the factory floor, Fryzlewicz hopes team members will practice safety standards at home.
“Take safety home — apply your working knowledge to keep you and your family safe when working at height,” she said.
An unstable ladder and poorly constructed scaffolding are two examples of hazardous workplace conditions that should heighten employee concern. Other commonly reported hazards include poor air quality, tripping hazards, personal protective equipment issues and noise exposure. DCMA’s safety division wants to ensure every team member understands how to submit a hazard report. SOH has released
guidance explaining reporting steps with a link to the
report form.
“Anyone can report a suspected hazard in DCMA workspaces or contractor plants. In doing so, we lower the risk of injury to our fellow employees,” said Corral. “Reporting suspected hazards is an effective method in reducing mission losses, personnel injury and property damage.”
In addition to submitting a Hazard Report, team members can also contact their supervisor, their collateral duty safety advocate or their SOH manager to report hazardous workplace conditions. For more information concerning reporting procedures, read the
SOH guidance.