Provide an example of a hazard where you imagine starting at the bottom of the hierarchy would be the easiest path for management to take. Which path do you believe is the best choice to take?
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Melanie:
This is a very interesting Discussion Board question. It forces us to forget everything we’ve learned thus far in regards to hazard mitigations. In a situation where an employee must work from a 12-foot A-frame ladder while standing at a height of anything above 6 feet, an employer who accepts that OSHA does not require fall protection to be provided when employees are working on portable ladders would be in the right by not profiting fall protection systems typically used in preventing a fall from occurring. Take into consideration that OSHA requirements are set at minimally acceptable levels. Although the ladder standard and the fall protection standards do not require fall protection in this situation, it does not mean that a fall hazard IS NOT present, meaning the easiest path for management to take would be even less than what the bottom of the hierarchy of controls has to offer.
I believe the best choice would be to use a man lift or a rolling scaffold. Both require inspection, both offer an elevated work surface, and when properly inspected prior to use at 6 feet or more both also provide protection from potential fall hazards.
