We’ve written in the past about the importance of ensuring you choose a competent company for your fall protection solutions and roof safety equipment.
Sadly, we still come across cases of poor design, such as the one below.
We initially thought the client had opted for a budget company to design and install their guardrail systems. But then, when we looked at the entire system, we were amazed at the number of weights in the layout. Surely, this poor design and overkill in weights added to the overall price of the system.
While it might be tempting to opt for a cheaper company, remember, they are likely to be cheap for a reason. And lack of competency will be one of them. Choosing a solution based purely on price can have severe consequences for both your workers and your bottom line.
So, here are some reasons why you must insist on competency and good design regarding safety critical systems.
Worker safety should always come first
When it comes to fall protection, the safety of your workers must always be your top priority. Cheaper options often compromise on design and construction, leading to inadequate protection. Substandard materials and poorly designed systems will only increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Hidden costs of fall from height accidents
Opting for a cheaper fall protection solution may seem cost-effective, but accidents come with hidden costs. And if your system is poorly designed, workers are more likely to have an accident. Legal battles, compensation claims, medical payments and increased insurance premiums all add up over time. And then there’s the damage to your company’s reputation, not to mention the pain and suffering inflicted on the victim and their family,
Investing in quality fall protection is an investment in preventing these hidden costs associated with accidents.
Poor fall protection designs will lead to long-term costs
Poorly designed or cheaply constructed fall protection systems will cost you in the long run as components are more likely to wear out quicker, requiring frequent maintenance and eventual replacement. This cumulative cost in repairs and replacements will far exceed any initial savings.
On the other hand, quality systems from competent companies are designed for durability, requiring less maintenance and a longer lifespan. They are ultimately saving you money over time.
Paying for regulatory compliance
There’s also the question of compliance. Health and safety regulations are stringent for a reason – to protect people from harm. Choosing a fall protection solution based purely on cost might mean opting for a system that doesn’t meet regulatory standards. If this happens, you’ll likely incur additional costs either rectifying the problem or paying for a completely new, compliant system.
Investing in a reputable fall protection company ensures that your systems meet or exceed industry safety standards and that you comply with the regulations. So why cut costs in the first place?
Choose quality and competency for peace of mind
While upfront costs of fall protection systems might seem significant, you need to consider the long-term benefits of investing in quality solutions from a professional company.
Prioritising worker safety, avoiding accident costs, minimising maintenance expenses and ensuring regulatory compliance are some compelling reasons to resist going for cheaper alternatives.
Surely it’s better knowing that workers are protected with high-quality, well designed safety systems so you can focus on your business without worrying about potential accidents and associated costs.
