Ensure Safety Gear doesn't let you down

Why are qualified Person Inspections Important?

hen it comes to protecting workers at height, even the best fall protection equipment is only as safe as its condition and proper use. That’s why OSHA requires all fall protection systems and gear to be inspected regularly — and in many cases, by a Qualified Person.

These inspections aren’t just a paperwork exercise — they are critical for preventing injuries, saving lives, and keeping your company compliant.

1. Ensures OSHA and ANSI Compliance

OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M and ANSI Z359 standards require that fall protection systems and equipment be inspected before each use and at regular intervals by a Competent or Qualified Person.
Failing to perform or document inspections can result in costly fines, stop-work orders, or serious incidents.

2. Detects Wear, Damage, or Defects Early

Harnesses, lanyards, self-retracting lifelines, and anchor points all degrade over time due to exposure, misuse, or environmental factors.
A Qualified Person inspection helps identify:

• Frayed webbing, broken stitching, or UV damage
• Bent hooks or connectors
• Corrosion on anchor points or D-rings
• Out-of-date or improperly stored gear

Early detection allows you to remove unsafe equipment before it fails in the field.

3. Validates Safe System Design

A Qualified Person has the experience and training to evaluate entire systems, not just individual components.
They verify that your anchor points, lifelines, and harness systems are properly rated, installed, and compatible — preventing dangerous misconfigurations that could lead to failure during a fall.

4. Builds Employee Confidence and Accountability

When workers know their fall protection equipment has been professionally inspected and approved, they gain confidence in its reliability.
It also promotes a stronger safety culture, reminding everyone that inspections and care for equipment are part of daily safety responsibilities.

5. Reduces Liability and Downtime

Accidents involving fall protection failures are among the most investigated and penalized OSHA incidents.
Qualified inspections help protect your company by providing clear documentation that your program meets OSHA and ANSI requirements — proving due diligence in the event of an incident or audit.

6. Protects the Most Important Asset — Your People

Above all, these inspections save lives.
Fall protection is a worker’s last line of defense — ensuring that the gear will perform correctly when it’s needed most is a responsibility that can’t be overlooked.

Bottom Line

Qualified Person inspections aren’t just a compliance box to check — they are a vital layer of protection for both your workers and your business.
At KARM Safety Solutions, we provide detailed, documented inspections by certified professionals to ensure your fall protection systems remain reliable, compliant, and ready for use every day.

Complying with OSHA Standards

At KARM Safety Solutions, we understand that meeting OSHA’s standards is a top priority for every business. Our inspection and training services help you stay compliant while protecting your most valuable asset — your people.

The Benefits of a 3-party inspection of the Fall Protection Gear

hen it comes to worker safety, having your fall protection equipment inspected by an independent third party like KARM Safety Solutions provides confidence, credibility, and compliance. Third-party inspections go beyond basic internal checks — they deliver a professional, unbiased evaluation backed by OSHA-qualified expertise.

1. Unbiased, Professional Evaluation

An internal inspection can sometimes miss subtle signs of wear or damage. A third-party inspection ensures a fresh, objective perspective from certified professionals who are trained to spot defects, fatigue, or improper configurations that could go unnoticed by everyday users.

2. Documentation That Stands Up to OSHA Scrutiny

All inspections performed by KARM Safety Solutions include:

• A signed Qualified Person report
• A detailed inspection checklist
• Date-stamped certification records

This documentation serves as official proof that your company’s fall protection gear has been inspected by a qualified, neutral party — a key element during OSHA audits or investigations.

3. Verified Compliance and Reduced Liability

By scheduling third-party inspections annually (or more often if required), you demonstrate due diligence under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21) and ANSI Z359.2.
This helps reduce the risk of citations, fines, or legal exposure — while ensuring workers are using gear that meets current safety standards.

4. Early Detection Prevents Equipment Failure

A Qualified Person inspection identifies issues before they become critical, helping you remove compromised gear from service and replace it before an incident occurs. This proactive approach not only saves money but also prevents injuries and downtime.

5. Strengthens Safety Culture and Employee Trust

When workers see that their employer invests in professional third-party inspections, it reinforces a strong safety culture. Employees gain confidence knowing their harnesses, lifelines, and anchor systems have been verified safe by a certified expert — not just assumed to be.

6. Comprehensive Recordkeeping for Peace of Mind

Each inspection includes digital or physical documentation for your safety files, so you can easily demonstrate compliance during audits or customer prequalification reviews. It’s one less thing to worry about when OSHA or a general contractor requests your fall protection records.

Bottom Line

Third-party inspections are more than a compliance checkbox — they’re a proactive investment in safety, accountability, and trust.
With KARM Safety Solutions, you’ll receive professional evaluations, clear documentation, and peace of mind knowing your fall protection gear is ready to perform when it matters most.

Why Choose KARM Safety Solutions?

Experience, integrity, and compliance you can count on.

When it comes to workplace safety, you need more than just training — you need a partner who understands how real-world job sites operate and what OSHA compliance truly requires. KARM Safety Solutions brings decades of hands-on experience in construction, industrial safety, and equipment compliance to every inspection, program, and training we deliver.

Here’s why companies across Oregon, Washington, and beyond trust KARM:

1. Qualified and Experienced Inspectors

Our inspections are performed by Qualified and Competent Persons with extensive field experience and up-to-date OSHA and ANSI training. We don’t just check boxes — we identify hazards, verify equipment integrity, and provide actionable recommendations.

2. Full OSHA & ANSI Compliance

All inspections and documentation are completed in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.140 and 1926 Subpart M, as well as ANSI Z359 standards. You’ll receive verified proof that your fall protection systems meet or exceed regulatory requirements.

3. Detailed Reports and Certification Records

Every inspection includes:

• A comprehensive checklist of all gear inspected
• Notes on findings, deficiencies, or replacement recommendations
• A signed inspection form by a Qualified Person
• Electronic and hard-copy records for your compliance files

4. Flexible Service Options

Choose what fits your workflow — on-site inspections or mail-in evaluations with quick turnaround. We help you stay compliant without interrupting your operations.

5. Ongoing Support and Expert Guidance

KARM Safety Solutions isn’t a one-time inspection service. We partner with your team to maintain continuous compliance, provide safety updates, and offer online or in-person training when needed.

6. A Proven Reputation for Safety Excellence

With over 40 years of combined experience, our clients trust us to deliver reliable, practical, and compliant safety solutions — from custom safety manuals to employee certification tracking.
We are proud members of professional safety organizations and recognized partners with builders’ exchanges nationwide.

Our Commitment

At KARM Safety Solutions, your workers’ safety and your company’s compliance are our top priorities. We’re here to help you build a safer, stronger, and fully compliant workplace — every day.