The Role of Third-Party Testing in Fall Protection
By Amanda Johnson
When searching for a product, especially one related to safety, several factors come into play. For many people, customer reviews and feedback often stand out the most. They provide real-world insights into the product’s performance and reliability. High-quality photos and detailed specifications are also crucial, as they help visualize and understand the product better.
Manufacturer descriptions can be informative, but claims like “the best product on the market” are often met with skepticism. It’s important to verify such statements through independent sources.
Third-party testing adds a significant layer of trust. Knowing that a product has been evaluated by an accredited lab reassures potential buyers about its quality and safety, especially when it comes to critical items that could affect their well-being. Overall, a combination of credible reviews, transparent specifications, and third-party validation tends to influence purchasing decisions the most.
But, beyond fostering buyer confidence, why is third-party testing important? Why does it matter to all stakeholders in the fall protection industry, and why should we advocate for it as the standard rather than merely a best practice?
Why Credible Reporting Matters
One of the key advantages of involving an accredited third-party is the credibility it brings to the testing process. The entity performing the tests remains completely objective regarding the outcome. Should an item perform poorly, the testing agency records it in a report and provides it to the client. This approach ensures that there is no loss or gain for the testing agency, and most importantly, no bias in the results
Industry Standards and Compliance
The landscape of fall protection rules and regulations can be confusing, varying from country to country and even state to state. Organizations such as OSHA and ANSI continually update standards to reflect the latest safety studies. These standards are strict in their testing requirements, necessitating very specific testing setups and processes. By using a third-party lab, companies can ensure their products meet and exceed these requirements, all while being tested in environments comparable to other products on the market.
Since OSHA’s establishment, worker injuries and illnesses have decreased from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.7 per 100 in 2022 (Commonly Used Statistics, n.d.). This decrease effectively demonstrates the improved safety protocols and requirements have had a significant impact on worker health and wellbeing.
.
Building Buyer Trust
The construction industry continues to list falls as the leading cause of death. In 2020, there were 351 fatal falls to a lower level out of 1,0008 total construction fatalities (Welcome to OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign, n.d.). Though safety awareness and training are essential in preventing these situations, proper equipment is a vital component in preventing deaths when accidents do occur. The safety equipment being provided should not only be used in the right application, but be properly tested to make sure it can handle a fall if it should occur.
When a manufacturer seeks third-party testing, it highlights their commitment to quality and openness. This willingness to have their products assessed by independent experts not only enhances performance and safety but also demonstrates their dedication to continuous improvement. It builds consumer trust and reflects a standard of excellence, showing that they strive for more than just good products—they aim for the very best.
When it comes to jobsite safety, a manufacturer’s commitment to high-quality products directly translates into enhanced protection for workers at heights and in fall situations. This dedication ensures that the equipment is designed with robust safety features, providing workers with the confidence and security they need to perform their tasks safely.
Gravitec’s Commitment
At Gravitec, safety has been, and remains, the foundation of our company. We are committed to making the industry safer through our training programs, inspection services, engineered projects, and state-of-the-art testing laboratory. We pride ourselves in having a 25ft drop tower and proprietary data acquisition program, which records all of our testing data. We actively seek to employ dedicated individuals that embody our values and contribute to keeping others safe, with several of our team members serving on safety committees in both the US and Canada.
We are happy to provide testing to OSHA requirements, ANSI standards, ASTM standards, and more. Although we are a non-certifying body, we also take pride in knowing our lab reports are looked at again by another party before a product is sent to market with a stamp of approval. We hold no stake in the game and prioritize clarity and conciseness in our findings.
Conclusion
Whether you are a tower climber looking at a harness or an R&D engineer designing one, look to third-party testing as a tool to guide you in making the best decisions for the fall protection industry.
Protect your team and your business by ensuring your fall protection equipment meets the highest safety standards. Don’t wait until an accident happens; schedule a third-party testing and inspection today. Reach out to us for a consultation to ensure your equipment is fully compliant, properly maintained, and ready to safeguard your workers.
Your employees’ safety is non-negotiable; let’s work together to make sure they return home safely after every shift.
References
Commonly Used Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved from Occupational Safety and Health Administration: (Source: [OSHA Commonly Used Statistics](https://www.osha.gov/data/commonstats)
Welcome to OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign. (n.d.). Retrieved from Occupational Safety and Health Administation: https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls#:~:text=Welcome%20to%20OSHA’s%20Fall%20Prevention%20Campaign&text=In%202020%2C%20there%20were%20351,These%20deaths%20are%20preventable.
About the Author
With over 15 years in customer service, Amanda Johnson has worn many hats, including quality assurance, account management, and working in a Seattle pie shop as a lead baker while in college (Go Huskies!). Her diverse background has sharpened her communication skills and customer experience expertise, helping her ensure client satisfaction in every interaction. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the beautiful PNW with her husband and their four kids, always trying to keep up with their adventures!