Industrial Safety Nets

What is an Industrial Safety Net?

Industrial safety nets are fall protection systems used to catch workers and debris in many different industries. When installed properly, these safety nets are highly effective and commonly used with other fall protection systems.

Safety net systems are often used in the construction industry and help protect workers from potential fall hazards that may come from above or below. These types of cases are time-sensitive and may often result in serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a safety net malfunction, contact an experienced fall protection attorney today.  

When Are Safety Nets Required?

OSHA requires the use of safety nets under the following circumstances:

• Safety nets shall be provided when workplaces are more than 25 feet above the ground or water surface, or other surfaces where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines, or safety belts is impractical. 29 CFR 1926.105(a)
• Where safety net protection is required by this part, operations shall not be undertaken until the net is in place and has been tested. 29 CFR 1926.105(b)
• Nets shall extend 8 feet beyond the edge of the work surface where employees are exposed and shall be installed as close under the work surface as practical but in no case more than 25 feet below such work surface. Nets shall be hung with sufficient clearance to prevent the user’s contact with the surfaces or structures below. Such clearances shall be determined by impact load testing. 29 CFR 1926.105(c)(1)
• The mesh size of nets shall not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches. All new nets shall meet accepted performance standards of 17,500 foot-pounds minimum impact resistance as determined and certified by the manufacturers, and shall bear a label of proof test. Edge ropes shall provide a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds. 29 CFR 1926.105(d)
• Forged steel safety hooks or shackles shall be used to fasten the net to its supports. 29 CFR 1926.105(e)
• Connections between net panels shall develop the full strength of the net. 29 CFR 1926.105(f)

Safety nets are a simple and effective way to protect employees from fall hazards in a working environment. Safety net systems must be drop-tested each time they are moved to accommodate workers. Safety nets can be used as a primary form of fall protection;  but, can also provide an additional level of safety to others such as guardrails and personal fall arrest systems.

Attorneys Who Understand Safety Net Hazards

When a worker is injured on the job the recovery process can become incredibly stressful. Between losing wages and seeking medical care, there are many moving parts these victims must deal with. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., our fall protection attorneys have been helping work injury victims navigate their claims since 1979. Call (713) 932-0777 to ensure you are taking the right steps after a work injury.