Workplace Safety and Rigid Track Systems

Approximately one in three American workers believe that productivity is valued over workplace safety, according to the National Safety Council. However, research has shown that everyone benefits when safety is a top priority. In fact, productivity actually goes up when an effective workplace safety program is in place.

That’s where rigid track systems can come into play. This type of fall prevention solution is available in many forms and can be customized to meet your unique safety challenges. If done correctly, it can help your organization reduce workplace incidents, improve safety standards, and meet OSHA regulations.

But, what is a rigid track system exactly? Simply put, it’s a durable overhead fall protection system that is best suited for work in the four to 20-foot height range. A rigid track system is made up of a trolley, a body harness, and a shock-absorbing or self-retracting lanyard that safely connects the worker to the system. Unlike flexible wire rope systems, rigid track systems use steel or aluminum track that doesn’t deflect in a fall event. Rigid track systems are commonly found in different types of manufacturing plants and warehouse settings. There’s a lot to consider though; here are some of the most common questions we get about rigid track fall protection systems.

Top Five Questions about Rigid Track Systems

1) Why might I need a rigid track system?

First, OSHA regulations 1926 and 1910 require fall protection systems to keep workers safe while working at height. A simple guard rail might be adequate in some workplace situations, but in higher-risk environments, a rigid track system is one of the most comprehensive fall arrest options available. The hierarchy of fall protection is a tool that you can use to determine what level of protection your application requires.

2) What are the advantages of a rigid track system?

A rigid track system can be the difference between a workplace incident and a workplace accident. Since a rigid track system is usually made of steel or aluminum, it eliminates many of the risks associated with a traditional flexible wire rope system, including the amount of fall clearance needed and the probability of secondary injuries. It can also accommodate multiple workers on one system and allows workers to pass each other while working.

If a fall does occur, the down time is minimal. The system will still require an inspection and maintenance before resuming normal function, but the inspection and maintenance process is usually much shorter and less expensive than flexible fall protection equipment.

3) Is a permanently installed rigid track system better than a mobile one?

Both permanent and mobile systems are excellent options when it comes to safety. However, the best fit for your project depends on a few factors, including floor space, available support structures for the anchors, and the scope of the work being done at your facility. A Rigid Lifelines representative can help you determine which type of fall protection system is the most practical for your situation.

4) How do I decide which type of rigid track system is right for my workplace?

Ceiling-Mounted Monorail. Inverted-L Freestanding. T-Frame. Fold-Away. The jargon can be overwhelming, so a qualified team of engineers and support staff should always be a part of your workplace safety plan. Usually, a Rigid Lifelines Sales Rep can conduct a site survey is to ensure that a proper rigid track system is quoted, made-to-order, and installed. The meeting with the sales rep is the best time to ask questions and point out your priorities.

5) How often does a rigid track system need to be inspected?

Like most safety equipment, a rigid track system must be inspected annually or following any applicable workplace incidents. If there is a fall, a worker can continue using the system after a visual inspection. On the other hand, flexible cable systems require a qualified engineer to sign off before workers can use it again.

Our Rigid Lifelines representatives are experts in the area of rigid track systems. They can help you design and install a fall protection system that best meets your safety needs. Contact us to get started.

Ron Cerny is a Regional Sales Manager with Rigid Lifelines and Spanco. He has more than 40 years of experience with industrial crane products and applications.