Falls Are the Leading Cause of Injury, Death for Construction Workers
Falls Are the Leading Cause of Injury, Death for Construction Workers
Author: Shebell & Shebell, LLC
Date: April 15, 2022
Category: Blog
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Construction is among the most dangerous sectors in the U.S. - especially if safety protocols aren't followed. But the biggest threat to worker safety doesn't come from huge vehicles or powerful machines - it comes from falls. Falls are the most devastating type of construction accident and often result in severe injury or death. Contractors typically work surrounded by hazards. While working on a roof, for example, fall hazards include things like holes, skylights, and leading edges.Falls are a leading cause of construction injuries
In 2020, nationwide more than 350 people died in construction accidents involving falls, according to federal data. That means that about 1 out of 3 construction worker deaths were caused by falling that year. Already in 2022, New Jersey has experienced a handful of worksite falls that were so serious the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated. When they aren't fatal, falls often result in severe injuries such as concussions, brain damage, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding. The proper use of safety equipment and best practices can reduce falls on the job site.Preventing falls on construction sites
OSHA partners with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the National Occupational Research Agenda to raise awareness about common fall hazards and how to prevent falls from ladders, roofs, and scaffolds. They have a three-step campaign to stop preventable falling accidents:- Step 1 - Plan - Before the job starts, a safety plan should be created for working from heights at the specific worksite. This plan outlines how the job will be done, the tasks involved, and the safety equipment needed.
- Step 2 - Provide - Workers who are six feet or more above the ground are at risk for serious injury or death if they fall. That means that employers must protect workers from falling. The right equipment goes a long way toward this. The right ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear should be tailored to each job. Use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) and provide harnesses where appropriate.
- Step 3 - Train - If workers don't know how to use the equipment properly, they will not get its full protection. Train every worker on the proper setup, safe use of the equipment, and how to recognize and avoid hazards.